Cervical disc prolapse [top]
- Posterior prolapse: Pain or numbness in C5-C7 dermatomes; Reduced biceps / supinator reflex
- Anterior prolapse: Leg numbness, weakness leg weakness
Spinal tuberculosis [top]
- Progressive onset of back pain or leg weakness chronic back pain
- Elevated inflammatory markers
- Can lead to psoas abscess
- Risk factors: Exposure to TB, immunosupression
Spinal abscess [top]
- Progressive onset of back pain or leg weakness chronic back pain
- Fever may be present or absent
- Elevated inflammatory markers
- Risk factors: Spinal surgery, diabetes, lumbar puncture, epidural
Lumbar disc prolapse [top]
- Sudden onset of back pain in association with minor trauma such as lifting or coughing acute back pain
- Large anterior prolapse: Cauda equina syndrome - leg weakness, numbness of perineum, faecal incontinence, urinary retention
- Posterior prolapse: Shooting pain radiating to thigh, calf 'sciatica'