General Condition Videos
SPINE
Fractures of the Spine
Neck Pain
Spondyloarthritis
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints. Spondyloarthritis is a type of arthritis in which the entheses, the connective tissue between tendons or ligaments and bone, are affected as well.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe age-related changes that occur in the soft discs present between the vertebral bones of the spine. These discs absorb stress and permit movement of the spine. Disc degeneration can lead to pain, limitation of movement and other symptoms. It is usually more pronounced in the region of the neck and lower back. Most cases of degenerative disc disease are treated conservatively. Surgery usually involves removal of the disc and fusion of adjacent vertebrae.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition characterised by an abnormal curvature of the spine causing it to deviate to one side often assuming a “C” or “S” shape. Scoliosis usually affects either the mid or lower back with mid back scoliosis being more common. The causes for scoliosis can be varied, but most cases do not have an identified cause and are described by the term idiopathic scoliosis. The treatment plan is based on the cause of scoliosis, the degree and position of the spinal curve and the age of the patient.
Cervical Radiculopathy and Myelopathy
The cervical nerves are large spinal nerves that branch from the spinal cord in the neck and travel into the arms, shoulders, upper back and hands where they control motor and sensory activities. The initial segment of the nerves that exit the spine is called the nerve root. Injury or compression of a cervical nerve root can lead to cervical radiculopathy, a condition characterized by neck pain that radiates to the shoulder and arm. It is also referred to as nerve root impingement, nerve entrapment or a pinched nerve. Besides pain, cervical radiculopathy can also affect hand movements and coordination and cause numbness or decreased sensation.Cervical myelopathy refers to compression of the spinal cord due to narrowing of the vertebral canal in an area within the neck. This condition usually results in gradual loss of strength and coordination.
Spine Anatomy
The spine, also called the back bone, is made up of vertebral bones with cushioning intervertebral discs between them. The spine is designed to give us stability and smooth movement, as well as providing a corridor of protection for the delicate spinal cord. It is supported by muscles, tendons and ligaments, and innervated by nerves that branch out from the centrally placed spinal cord.
Having a well-functioning healthy back is essential for our mobility and ability to participate in various activities. Understanding the anatomy of the spine enhances your ability to discuss conditions of the spine and treatment options with your doctor.
Spondylosis
Spondylosis is a condition where the bones that make up the spine (vertebrae) degenerate. Typically, this degeneration forms bony projections (bone spurs) and reduces the height of the spongy discs between the vertebrae.
Spondylosis is often called spinal osteoarthritis. It can affect the neck (cervical spine), upper, mid and lower back (thoracic spine and lumbar spine). The most common area affected is that of the lumbar spine and cervical spine.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina. Each bone in the vertebral column has a central opening through which the spinal cord passes, and other openings called neural foramina through which nerve roots branch out. When these openings narrow down, pressure is exerted on the nerves producing pain in the neck, back and legs.
Spinal stenosis most commonly occurs in people over 50 years of age, but can also be seen in young people who have a narrow spinal canal or have had injury to the spine.
Radiculopathy
The spinal cord is made up of a bundle of spinal nerves that run down the vertebral column, extending from the neck to the lower back. The spinal cord functions as a message carrier between the brain and different parts of the body, and is protected from injury by the bones of the vertebral column. Certain diseases or mechanical compression of these spinal nerves due to deformities in the vertebral column can lead to radiculopathy.
Radiculopathy is a condition where a nerve root in the spine is compressed producing pain or weakness across the whole length of the nerve. It is sometimes referred to as a pinched nerve or Sciatica. It occurs most commonly but is not limited to the lower back and neck.
Disc Herniation
A herniated disc, also called slipped disc or ruptured disc, is a condition caused from wear and tear of the cushioning discs present between the bones of the vertebral column. These discs act as shock absorbers while walking or running, and are made up of an outer tough layer (annulus) that surrounds a jelly-like center (nucleus). Disc herniation occurs when a part of the disc nucleus is pushed beyond the annulus through a rupture or tear. This displaced nucleus extends into the spinal canal, which passes through the entire vertebral column, and inflames and presses against the spinal nerves, causing pain.
Any part of the spine can be affected by a herniated disc, but it is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine).
Ankylosing Spondylitis
The term ankylosis refers to loss of mobility of the spine, whereas spondylitis means inflammation of the spine. Therefore, ankylosing spondylitis is a condition where chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joint results in complete fusion of the vertebrae leading to pain and stiffness in the spine. Sacroiliac joints are located in the lower back where the sacrum part of the vertebrae joins the iliac bones.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a systemic disease affecting other tissues and organs throughout the body. It can cause inflammation of faraway joints and organs such as the eyes, heart, lungs and kidneys.
Ankylosing spondylitis is 3 times more common in men than in women and affects people of all age groups including children where the condition is referred to as juvenile ankylosing spondylitis.
HAND AND WRIST
Hand Anatomy
The human hand is made up of the wrist, palm, and fingers and consists of 27 bones, 27 joints, 34 muscles, over 100 ligaments and tendons, and many blood vessels and nerves.
The hands enable us to perform many of our daily activities such as driving, writing and cooking. It is important to understand the normal anatomy of the hand in order to learn more about diseases and conditions that can affect our hands.
ELBOW
Elbow Anatomy
The elbow is a complex joint formed by the articulation of three bones – the humerus, radius and ulna. The elbow joint helps in bending or straightening of the arm to 180 degrees and assists in lifting or moving objects.
Cubital Tunnell Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition characterised by compression of the ulnar nerve in an area of the elbow called the cubital tunnel.
The ulnar nerve travels down the back of the elbow behind the bony bump called the medial epicondyle, and through a passageway called the cubital tunnel. The cubital tunnel is a narrow passageway on the inside of the elbow formed by bone, muscle, and ligaments with the ulnar nerve passing through its center. The roof of the cubital tunnel is covered with a soft tissue called fascia.
When the elbow is bent, the ulnar nerve can stretch and catch on the bony bump. When the ulnar nerve is compressed or entrapped, the nerve can tear leading to a variety of symptoms, called cubital tunnel syndrome.
NEUROLOGY
Neuopathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is an abnormal sensation that occurs when nerves are damaged or become dysfunctional causing a misfiring of pain signals to the brain. Neuropathic pain can be experienced as burning, aching, shooting, stabbing or electric shock-like pain. It is often intense, worse at night and may lead to disability. Due to alteration in nerve sensitivity, pain may even be brought on by mild stimuli such as a gentle touch or a cold breeze.
Stroke
The brain requires a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients from the blood in order to function properly. A blockage, interruption or severe reduction in the supply of blood to the brain can result in a condition called a stroke. Stroke is a medical emergency that leads to the death of brain cells within minutes of the interruption in blood supply. Prompt treatment is vital to minimise brain damage and improve outcomes.
Headache
A headache is pain or discomfort anywhere in the region of the head or neck. Headaches are the most common health complaints experienced by every person at some point during their life. Most headaches are not serious and can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. There are many different types of headaches and it is important to know the particular type of headache you have and also methods to treat the same.
Complex Regional Pain
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition characterized by severe pain, swelling and changes in the skin. It usually affects the arms, hands, legs or feet. It is also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or causalgia. It usually begins after trauma such as an injury to the tissue, bone or nerves of your limb.
With early treatment, CRPS may be prevented from getting worse.
Electromyography and Nerve Conduction
Nerves use electrical impulses to coordinate muscle movement in our bodies. Diseases affecting the muscles and nerves can result in abnormal electrical activity.
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve conduction studies are diagnostic tests used to detect nerve and muscle disorders and to evaluate the functioning of your nerves and muscles. An EMG is designed to record the electrical activity produced by the muscles, during rest and contraction. Nerve conduction studies measure the conductivity of the nerves.
Your doctor may arrive at a diagnosis based on the results of the EMG along with information from your medical history, physical and neurological examinations, and results from other tests.