Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is characterized by neurovascular symptoms in the upper limb due to compression of nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet area. This condition is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. The specific structures compressed are usually the…
The cervical spine is the most superior portion of the vertebral column, lying between the cranium and the thoracic vertebrae. It consists of seven vertebrae, two of which are given unique names: The first cervical vertebrae (C1) is known as…
Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of one vertebral body with respect to the adjacent vertebral body causing mechanical or radicular symptoms or pain. It can be due to congenital, acquired, or idiopathic causes. Spondylolisthesis is graded based on the degree of…
“Scoliosis” -Greek word meaning “crooked”. It is a lateral curvature of the spine in upright position. The Scoliosis Research Society has defined scoliosis as a lateral curvature of the spine greater than 10 degree as measured using the Cobbs method…
Dry needling is a procedure where filiform needles are tapped through the skin to the target tissue to bring about a therapeutic effect. No medicine is delivered, thus it is called “dry”, compared to injections, which are “wet”. Other names…
Axial neck pain—also called uncomplicated neck pain, whiplash, neck strain, or cervical strain—refers to pain along the posterior (back of the) neck. By definition, axial neck pain is pain that remains localized to the neck and immediate surrounding structures and…
Trigger points (TrP) are hyperirritable spots, palpable nodules in the taut bands of the skeletal muscle fascia. Direct compression or muscle contraction can elicit a jump sign, local tenderness, and local twitch response. response and referred pain which usually responds…
Bertolotti syndrome, named after the Italian physician Mario Bertolotti who first described it in 1917, arises from a congenital anomaly known as lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV). This condition, often overlooked, can lead to significant back pain, typically emerging in one’s late twenties to…
Coccygodynia, also known as coccydynia or coccalgia, refers to the experience of pain localized in the coccyx region. Typically, this pain is exacerbated when sitting or transitioning from sitting to standing. While many cases resolve within several weeks to months,…
The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale describes a person’s functional impairment as a result of a SCI. This scale indicates how much sensation a person feels after light touch and a pinprick at multiple points on the body…