Musculoskeletal Problems

Overview

• Discussion on muscular dystrophy, acute back problems, and spine surgeries.
• Importance of understanding musculoskeletal and nervous systems for movement.

Muscular Dystrophy

Key Points

• A genetic group of diseases affecting skeletal muscles.
• Impacts neurologic system, causing muscle atrophy and shrinkage.
• Affects heart muscles and diaphragm over time.

Types

• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Common in young population.
• Becker Muscular Dystrophy: Also affects young but less severe.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Profound muscle atrophy, breathing issues, dysrhythmias.
• Tests: Genetic testing, muscle serum enzymes, EMG, muscle biopsy, EKGs.

Treatment and Management

• No cure; focus on slowing progression and supportive care.
• Medications: Corticosteroids, potential disease-modifying meds.
• Supportive care: Physical/occupational therapy, assistive devices.
• Focus on preserving quality of life.

Acute Low Back Pain

Causes

• Affects many globally, significant disability cause.
• Risk factors: Poor lifting dynamics, excess body weight, smoking.

Symptoms

• Localized, diffuse, radicular, or referred pain.
• Assessed through patient history and physical examination.

Treatment

• Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, physical therapy.
• Education on prevention and back care.

Chronic Low Back Pain

Definition

• Pain lasting more than 3 months, often due to degenerative changes.

Causes

• Osteoarthritis, tumors, congenital spine issues.

Management

• Similar to acute care but requires long-term management.
• Medications: NSAIDs, SSRIs, SNRIs, gabapentin, pregabalin.

Intervertebral Disc Diseases

Types and Effects

• Degeneration, herniation, or rupture of spinal discs.
• Affects cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnostics: X-rays, MRIs, nerve testing.
• Conservative treatments: Physical therapy, TENS units, epidural injections.

Spine Surgeries

Indications

• When conservative therapy fails or there's nerve involvement.
• Procedures: Laminectomy, discectomy, fusion.

Postoperative Care

• Maintain proper spine alignment, assess neurological function.
• Pain management, monitor for complications like cauda equina.