SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Spinal segment dysfunction is characterized by abnormal movement between vertebrae. The signs and symptoms associated with spinal segment dysfunction include: - Aberrant spinal segment motion
- Focal spine discomfort or pain
- Palpable soft tissue changes
- Localized/referred pain
- Local reactive muscle spasm (guarding)
- Reversible segmental dysfunction with spinal segment mobilization or manipulation
- Facet syndrome
- Dynamic nerve impingement
CAUSES
- The causes of spinal segment dysfunction include:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Disc herniation
- Spinal (facet) joint arthritis
- Abnormal muscle tone due to segmental pain
- Osteoarthitis
- Muscle spasm
- Muscle weakness
- Epidural fibrosis
- Spinal joint capsule fibrosis
- Spinal instability
- Spondylolithesis
- Spondylosis
- Spondylolysis
- Spinal segment inflammation and swelling
- Scoliosis
RISK FACTORS The most common risk factor for spinal segment dysfunction is age-related degeneration of the tissues of the spinal segment. Additional risk factors include:
- Overweight
- Smoking
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spine trauma
- Recurrent spinal microtrauma
- Poor posture
- Diabetes
- Scoliosis
- Hereditary (congenital) vertebral malformation
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