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Symptomatic Lumbar Canal Stenosis—A Review and Primer on Surgical Decision Making

Teaser: 

Sager Hanna MB, BCh, BAO, 1 Perry Dhaliwal MD, MPH, FRCSC,2

1Section of Neurosurgery and Section of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba.
2Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Lumbar canal stenosis is an anatomical term used to describe narrowing of the spinal canal either congenitally or from age-related degenerative changes. It refers to a structural finding that may or may not be symptomatic. A decrease in canal diameter can lead to compression of the neural components, causing a constellation of symptoms. Family physicians should familiarize themselves with the various presentations of canal narrowing and the available diagnostic and treatment options.
Key Words: lumbar spinal stenosis, neurogenic claudication, back pain, radiculopathy.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

You can take quizzes without subscribing; however, your results will not be stored. Subscribers will have access to their quiz results for future reference.

Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
1. Lumbar spinal stenosis is commonly caused by age-related degenerative changes involving the intervertebral discs, ligamentum flavum and facet joints.
2. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis may present with neurogenic claudication or radiculopathy.
3. The primary care provider needs to distinguish between symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis and other common mimics.
4. Surgical treatment is principally decompression of the neural elements with the possible addition of fusion of the affected levels.
1. Degenerative changes in the lumbar spine can lead to various symptoms such as low back pain, lumbar radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication, and cauda equina syndrome.
2. Imaging of the lumbar spine should be ordered when there is a high clinical suspicion of lumbar spinal canal stenosis based on the history and physical examination.
3. Initial management of patients presenting with lumbar canal stenosis involves non-operative modalities like pharmacological therapy, physiotherapy, lifestyle modifications, patient education and image-guided injections.
4. Surgical decompression for symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis, with or without fusion, is generally indicated when symptoms significantly interfere with daily activity and non-operative treatment has failed after 3-6 months.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Back Health, lumbar spinal stenosis, neurogenic claudication, back pain, radiculopathy

Back and Neck Pain, Pain Clinics and Interventional Pain Management in Canada

Teaser: 

Arani Kulamurugan,1 Pranjan Gandhi,2 Markian Pahuta,3 Mohammad Zarrabian,4 Daipayan Guha,5

1Michael DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
2Michael DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
3Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopaedics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
4Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopaedics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
5Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: This paper examines the role of pain clinics in Canada, focusing on non-surgical interventions to manage cervical and lumbar degenerative pathologies. These pathologies have a substantial impact on health care and the economy. Since non-interventional management strategies are often insufficient, pain clinics can be effective in providing image-guided injections to reduce symptoms and rates of surgery. Given the challenges of access and long wait times for treatment, the expansion of pain clinics may be an interim solution to improve outcomes and alleviate the burden on Canadian healthcare.
Key Words: radiculopathy, myelopathy, back pain, neck pain, pain clinic.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

You can take quizzes without subscribing; however, your results will not be stored. Subscribers will have access to their quiz results for future reference.

Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
1. Identifying the specific type of back pain guides the choice of treatment, enhancing patient outcomes.
2. Interventional strategies have demonstrated significant benefits when combined with traditional medical and physical therapies.
3. Axial pain, radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication and myelopathy have distinct symptoms and relief mechanisms, making accurate diagnosis critical.
4. Improving the distribution and accessibility of multidisciplinary pain management services will improve the outcomes for patients with chronic pain.
Differentiating Pain Syndromes: It is essential to distinguish among axial neck/back pain, radicular pain, neurogenic claudication and myelopathy to institute proper back pain management. Axial pain is worsened by physical activity, radicular pain is limb dominant, neurogenic claudication is exacerbated by prolonged standing and relieved by sitting, and myelopathy produces upper motor neuron findings in both upper and lower limbs.
Role of Pain Clinics: Offering a wide range of services, pain clinics are cost-effective and improve quality of life and functionality through interventional pain management, mental health support, and physical therapy.
Barriers to Accessing Care: Access to multidisciplinary pain treatment facilities in Canada is limited by long wait times and significant regional variability.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Back Health, radiculopathy, myelopathy, back pain, neck pain, pain clinic

Spine Infections

Teaser: 

Jessica Albanese, MD,1 Brett Rocos, MB, ChB, MD, FRCS (Tr & Orth),2

1 Adult Spine Fellow, Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
2 Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Though they have significant morbidity and mortality, spine infections are a rare cause of back pain. Because they are uncommon, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a spine infection, to establish the diagnosis, and to treat appropriately, guided by culture results, with antibiotic therapy. Surgical intervention is indicated in cases of significant neurologic deficit, significant spinal deformity, instability, and/or failed medical management.
Key Words:spinal infection, spondylodiscitis, discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, epidural abscess, back pain.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

You can take quizzes without subscribing; however, your results will not be stored. Subscribers will have access to their quiz results for future reference.

Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
Patients with spine infections often present with back pain and may have radicular pain, neurologic deficits, or constitutional signs and symptoms of infection
Workup begins with laboratory studies including, CBC, CRP, and ESR
The gold standard for imaging is MRI
Definitive diagnosis may require CT-guided biopsy and culture
The mainstay of treatment is at least 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy guided by culture results
Surgical intervention is indicated in cases of progressive neurologic deficit or spinal deformity, instability, or failed medical management
Spinal infections can present insidiously
Refer early if patients present with back pain and unexplained fever
Prompt identification with MRI improves likelihood of recovery
Antibiotic treatment for 6 weeks is recommended
Surgery is useful for neurological deficit or instability
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Back Health, spinal infection, spondylodiscitis, discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, epidural abscess, back pain

The Types and Treatments of Spondylolisthesis

Teaser: 

Brett Rocos MB ChB MD FRCS (Tr & Orth),1, Daniel Ochieng MB ChB FRCSEd (Neuro.Surg),2,

1 Consultant Spine Surgeon, Department of Spine Surgery, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
2Complex Spine Fellow, Department of Spine Surgery, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Spondylolisthesis is a common finding in the adult patient but seldom requires surgical intervention. Up to 18% of the population show spondylolisthesis on spinal imaging with the vast majority requiring little or no treatment. This review explores the aetiology of spondylolisthesis, alongside key findings in the history and examination that should prompt referral, as well as presenting the evidence supporting surgical treatment. Spondylolisthesis affects patients at nearly every stage of life and understanding why and how to manage this common problem will aid in counselling patients and making the right referrals.
Key Words: Spondylolisthesis, spondylosis, back pain, radicular pain, neurogenic claudication, spinal stenosis.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

You can take quizzes without subscribing; however, your results will not be stored. Subscribers will have access to their quiz results for future reference.

Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
• Spondylolisthesis affects 18% of adults.
• Surgical treatment for spondylolisthesis is rarely required.
• Risk factors depend on the patient's age and include specific athletic activities, trauma and degenerative changes to the posterior elements.
• Examination findings can be normal.
• Surgical options include repair, decompression, and stabilisation of affected segments.
• Spondylolisthesis is a common incidental finding.
• Not every spondylolisthesis needs treatment.
• Uncontrolled pain is a valid reason for referral.
• Analgesia, physiotherapy, and injection therapy manage most cases successfully.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Back Health, Spondylolisthesis, spondylosis, back pain, neurogenic claudication, spinal stenosis, radicular pain

Teaser: 

Brett Rocos MB ChB MD FRCS (Tr & Orth),1, Daniel Ochieng MB ChB FRCSEd (Neuro.Surg),2,

1 Consultant Spine Surgeon, Department of Spine Surgery, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
2Complex Spine Fellow, Department of Spine Surgery, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Spondylolisthesis is a common finding in the adult patient but seldom requires surgical intervention. Up to 18% of the population show spondylolisthesis on spinal imaging with the vast majority requiring little or no treatment. This review explores the aetiology of spondylolisthesis, alongside key findings in the history and examination that should prompt referral, as well as presenting the evidence supporting surgical treatment. Spondylolisthesis affects patients at nearly every stage of life and understanding why and how to manage this common problem will aid in counselling patients and making the right referrals.
Key Words: Spondylolisthesis, spondylosis, back pain, radicular pain, neurogenic claudication, spinal stenosis.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

You can take quizzes without subscribing; however, your results will not be stored. Subscribers will have access to their quiz results for future reference.

Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
• Spondylolisthesis affects 18% of adults.
• Surgical treatment for spondylolisthesis is rarely required.
• Risk factors depend on the patient's age and include specific athletic activities, trauma and degenerative changes to the posterior elements.
• Examination findings can be normal.
• Surgical options include repair, decompression, and stabilisation of affected segments.
• Spondylolisthesis is a common incidental finding.
• Not every spondylolisthesis needs treatment.
• Uncontrolled pain is a valid reason for referral.
• Analgesia, physiotherapy, and injection therapy manage most cases successfully.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Back Health, Spondylolisthesis, spondylosis, back pain, neurogenic claudication, spinal stenosis, radicular pain

Community Resources for Management of Back Pain

Teaser: 

1Naazish Shariff, BHSc. Candidate, 2Eugene K. Wai, MD, MSc, CIP, FRCSC,

1Faculty of Health Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON. 2Head—University of Ottawa Combined Adult Spinal Surgery Program, Associate Professor—Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ottawa, Cross Appointment to School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa, ON.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract:Back pain is a community level health problem because of the high prevalence and burden on patients, health care and society. Many aspects of back management, such as exercise and psychosocial stress management, are suitable for a community model of care. Community models for back pain are in their infancy but lessons learned from other chronic diseases can be applied and will be discussed. This review will discuss existing evidence-based community programs, such as Exercise is Medicine® and the Stanford Model, that support exercise and self-management, and their relevance to low back pain.
Key Words: back pain, community model of care, self-management, exercise, lifestyle risk factors.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

You can take quizzes without subscribing; however, your results will not be stored. Subscribers will have access to their quiz results for future reference.

Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
Many aspects of back management such as exercise and promotion of self-management are more suited for a community model of care.
Physicians and other health care providers are important catalysts for change and must support patient engagement.
Health care practitioners should identify resources within their community as well as develop their own local creative solutions.
Evidence-supported models for community involvement in managing chronic diseases are available. This article provides resources enabling practitioners to identify these programs in their community and tailor them for their back pain patients.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Back Health, back pain, community model of care, self-management, exercise, lifestyle risk factors
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page

Exercise Prescription for Back Pain

Teaser: 

Eugene K. Wai, MD, MSc, CIP, FRCSC1
R. Michael Galbraith, DO, CCFP (SEM), Dip Sport Med2
Denise C. Lawrence Wai BScPT3
Susan Yungblut, PT, MBA4
Ted Findlay, DO, CCFP, FCFP5

1 is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the care of adult spinal disorders. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Ottawa. In addition he is the Research Chair for the Canadian Spine Society.
2Private practice Elite Sports Medicine in Lethbridge, AB.. Head Team Physician, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL). Clinical Lecturer, Dept of Family Medicine, University of Calgary School of Medicine.
3 is a Physical Therapist in Ottawa and a Research Assistant at The Ottawa Hospital.
4 Physiotherapist, Liquidgym, Ottawa; Nordic Walking Instructor and Urban Poling Master Trainer, OttawaNordicWalks; Past Director, Exercise is Medicine Canada
5 is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Calgary. He is also in a Private Family Medicine practice. In addition he is on Medical Staff at Alberta Health Services, Calgary Zone in Calgary, Alberta.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Exercise is one of the most effective and simplest evidence-based recommendations to manage acute and chronic back pain. This paper discusses the physiology and evidence to support exercise as effective treatment. We will provide guidance on how to assess and prescribe exercise and offer methods to educate and encourage physical activity for patients with back pain.
Key Words: Back Pain, Physical Activity, Exercise Prescription, Motivational Interviewing.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

You can take quizzes without subscribing; however, your results will not be stored. Subscribers will have access to their quiz results for future reference.

Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
1. Exercise is one of the most effective and simplest evidence-based recommendations to manage acute and chronic back pain.
2. For chronic back pain the most important exercise is the one the patient will actually do.
3. For acute back pain the exercise prescriptions should take into account the patient's directional preference of exercise (Pattern of Pain) and the patient's unique situation.
4. Exercise Prescriptions should include the F.I.T.T. principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type).
Simply asking the patient about exercise has been shown to be effective in improving health outcomes. Consistent messaging about the positive role of physical activity is important.
Most forms of physical activity are usually beneficial. The exercise prescription should take in to account what the patient is actually prepared to do.
Patients often require reassurance that pain associated with exercising does not lead to physical harm.
Motivational interviewing is a structured, empathetic method to engage resistant patients.
Walking is free.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Back Health, back pain, physical activity, Exercise Prescription, Motivational Interviewing
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page

We've got your back: HealthPlexus and the Canadian Spine Society Announce the Launch of the Back Health CME Resource

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HealthPlexus.net
For immediate release:
January 7th 2014


The Canadian Spine Society (CSS), as part of its educational mandate, is partnering with www.healthplexus.net (HealthPlexus) and the Journal of Current Clinical Care (JCCC) to promote best practices and knowledge translation for fast and effective diagnosis and management of back pain.

As part of the multi-faceted collaboration, CSS and HealthPlexus will work on a comprehensive continuing education program aimed at healthcare professionals that will be delivered via www.healthplexus.net and the Journal of Current Clinical Care.

Dr. Hamilton Hall is a well-recognized key opinion leader both nationally and internationally on the subject of back pain. He has taken on the position of Editor-in-Chief for the Back Health Resource Center @HealthPlexus.

Dr. Hall and his colleagues from the CSS will present an ongoing series of Clinical Reviews and Case Studies, which will be available through the HealthPlexus channels. Their goal is to provide those healthcare professionals who are managing patients with back health issues with deeper knowledge and increased ability to address their patients' needs.

"Numerous population wide surveys have confirmed that arthritic disorders that limit mobility are the most important factors in impairing quality of life for older adults. Back pain is one of the key issues limiting mobility, and I applaud HealthPlexus for addressing this very important topic."

-Barry J. Goldlist, MD, FRCPC, FACP, AGSF, senior member of the advisory board for HealthPlexus.net [Geriatrics and Dementia] and the Journal of Current Clinical Care. Dr. Goldlist is a nationally recognized geriatrician with a long standing interest in medical education and medical journalism.

“For practitioners who look after the adult population, especially those in the middle and later years, disorders of musculo-skeletal mobility and acute and chronic pain is one of the most common challenges they face with their patients. There is enormous suffering and impairment of full function and ability to participate in normal activities much less those of a recreational nature when someone experiences back pain that is unrelieved by simple and safe methods. Having an additional means to learn about and find methods to address the issues of back pain with all its complexities of diagnosis and treatment, is an important addition to the HealthPlexus spectrum of clinical support for practicing physicians.”

-Michael Gordon, MD, MSc, FRCPC, FACP, the Editor-in-Chief of the Dementia Educational Resource. Dr. Gordon is the Medical Program Director of Palliative Care at Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System

"As a medical professional who has trained as both a Radiologist and a Family physician, I have seen many patients who suffer from the entire spectrum of lower back pain. I don't think that medical school and residency prepares you enough to adequately to deal with the complexity of this condition. A dedicated CME resource focusing on back health is a much needed tool for both students and practicing physicians who wish to acquire skills and keep their skills up to date on this subject. Dr. Hall is eminently qualified for such an endeavor. I still recall his teachings, some years ago now, in my medical school class at the University of Toronto vividly. As medical editor of the Journal of Current clinical Care, I encourage you to take advantage of this learning opportunity."

-D’Arcy Little, MD, CCFP, FRCPC, the editorial director of HealthPlexus.net and its sister publication, the Journal of Current Clinical Care. Dr. Little is a family physician, diagnostic radiologist and medical writer. He completed fellowships in Care of the Elderly and Academic Medicine


About Health Plexus:
Comprised of 1000s of clinical reviews, CMEs, bio-medical illustrations and animations and other resources, all organized in the 34 condition zones, our vision is to provide physicians and allied healthcare professionals with access to credible, timely and multi-disciplinary continuing medical education from anywhere and on any media consumption device. The Back Health Educational Resource is the compilation of high quality clinical reviews, online CME programs, library of original visual aids, interviews, roundtable discussions and related conference reports.


About The Canadian Spine Society:
The CSS is a collaborative body of Canadian neurosurgical and orthopaedic spine surgeons and other spine care professionals with a primary interest in advancing excellence in spine patient care, research and education.

Contact Person:
Mark Varnovitski
mark@healthplexus.net
www.healthplexus.net

Back Pain Should Be A Priority in the Overall Treatment of the Elderly

Back Pain Should Be A Priority in the Overall Treatment of the Elderly

Teaser: 

Sharron Ladd, BSc
Managing Editor

"It is clear that the study of back pain has been overlooked in the geriatric community, perhaps relegated to second-class status behind health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cognitive impairment," says Dr. Hart Bressler, the primary author of the landmark study entitled "The Prevalence of Low Back Pain in the Elderly." The study, co-authored by Dr. Warren Keyes, Dr. Paula Rochon and Dr. Elizabeth Badley appeared in the September 1st issue of the journal Spine. Several reasons are cited for the under-representation of elderly in back pain studies. One of the main reasons is the economic burden of maintaining worker's compensation programs; these programs are necessarily directed at the younger working population. Other reasons are listed in Table 1.

Using the key words low back pain, back pain, elderly, geriatrics and aged for their literature analysis, the researchers found only twelve studies on low back pain in the elderly, between 1966 and the present, that met their final selection criteria! The methodologies underlying some of these studies are dubious. "Many studies have grouped younger and older patients together, such as a 40 year old with an 82 year old.

Related Terms: Preventive Health, back pain, treatment