Spine disorder case studies

Spine disorders causing spine and limb pain are common. Fifteen to twenty percent of the United States population experiences low back pain in a year and among working age people, approximately 50% admit to back symptoms. Neck and upper limb symptoms are less common but may be worrisome because of concern about spinal cord involvement. Many health care providers are uncomfortable dealing with spine and limb pain because of multiple possible causes; concern about loss of neurologic function; cost of evaluation and treatment; and workers' compensation, legal, and medicolegal concerns. This article's cases describe common spine syndromes, when to consider investigation and consultation, and appropriate treatment options.