Spine disorder case studies.

Spine and limb pain related to degenerative, wear-and-tear changes of the disks, joints, and soft tissues of the spine (spondylosis) is exceedingly common. Identical spine and limb pain can be caused by fracture, tumor, or infection. Patients who have a history of significant trauma, signs or symptoms of systemic disease, neurologic impairment, and profound pain require further evaluation, and some may require surgical intervention to decompress the spinal nerves, spinal cord, or cauda equina or to stabilize adjacent spinal segments. The discovery of red flags in the history or on examination can identify patients who should have imaging and possibly surgical intervention. Neurologic assessment is required to determine which patients could benefit from surgery. The natural history for most acute spondylotic conditions is favorable. Treatment for acute and chronic spine-related pain syndromes is available.