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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Types, Diagnostic tests and more

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? The condition known as thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is brought on by the compression or constriction of the nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet.  Important nerves and blood vessels that supply the arm and hand are located in the thoracic outlet, which is the small space between the collarbone (clavicle) and the first rib. Pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arm, shoulder, and hand are just a few of the symptoms that can result from TOS. Three main categories of TOS exist: Neurogenic TOS:  The most prevalent form of TOS, known as neurogenic TOS, is brought on by compression of the brachial plexus, a web of nerves that starts in the neck and supplies the arm and hand. Trauma, repetitive overhead activities, bad posture, and anatomical abnormalities are just a few of the causes of neurogenic TOS. Vascular TOS:  The subclavian artery or vein, which supplies blood to the arm and hand, is compressed, resulting in vascular TOS. Less fre

Mechanism of Muscle Relaxant

What are Muscle Relaxants?  A class of medications known as muscle relaxants work by relaxing the skeletal muscles, reducing muscle tone, and relieving muscle spasms.  While the specific drug determines the exact mechanism of action, most muscle relaxants reduce muscle activity by either acting on the central nervous system or interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses at the neuromuscular junction. How do different muscle relaxants work on the body? Peripheral muscle relaxants , like dantrolene , function by obstructing the release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum found in skeletal muscle cells. Calcium ions play a crucial role in muscle contraction, and by preventing their release, dantrolene reduces the amount of calcium accessible for muscle contraction. This leads to muscle relaxation. Central muscle relaxants , such as baclofen and tizanidine, affect the central nervous system to decrease muscle activity. Baclofen is a GABA agonist that binds to GABA-B r

Quick look at HIP BURSITIS: causes, symptoms, treatment and more

Trochanteric bursitis , another name for hip bursitis, is a painful condition that affects the bursae close to the hip joint. The bursae are tiny sacs that are fluid-filled and function to lessen friction between muscles, tendons, and bones. Hip bursitis is characterized by the inflammation of the bursae , which causes pain and discomfort in the hip and the surrounding region. Brief Anatomy of Hip Joint: The head of the femur (the thigh bone) and the acetabulum of the pelvis come together to form the hip joint, which is a ball and socket joint.  The trochanteric bursa , which is situated on the outer part of the hip, and the iliopsoas bursa , which is situated on the front of the hip, are just two of the bursae that surround the hip joint. Causes of Hip Bursitis: There are numerous factors that can lead to hip bursitis, including: hip joint overuse or repetitive stress hip injury brought on by a fall or direct blow Walking or running with an improper gait or posture  Medical condition

What is Lower Cross Syndrome??

What is Lower Cross Syndrome? Muscle imbalances in the lower back and pelvic support muscles are the hallmark of the musculoskeletal disorder known as lower cross syndrome. It is a typical condition that can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility, especially in those who spend a lot of time sitting down. Dr. Vladimir Janda, a Czech physician and researcher who specialised in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, coined the phrase "lower cross syndrome" in the late 1990s. Janda described the disorder as a pattern of muscular imbalances that cause low back dysfunction and pain. The muscles on one side of the pelvis shorten and tighten in lower cross syndrome, while the muscles on the other side weaken and lengthen. This results in a distortion in the pelvic alignment, which can put strain on the lower back, the hips, and the legs. The following muscles are impacted by lower cross syndrome: Tight hip flexors : Hip flexors are a group of muscles that attach the thigh bone to

What is Upper Cross Syndrome??

Upper-crossed syndrome (UCS) is a condition of muscular imbalance that impacts the upper body, primarily the neck, shoulders, and upper back. It is also referred to as proximal or shoulder girdle crossed syndrome, and it arises due to inequity between the tautness and feebleness of specific muscle groups. Joint dysfunction is caused by this pattern of imbalance, especially at the T4-T5 segment, atlanto-occipital joint, C4-C5 segment, cervicothoracic joint, and glenohumeral joint. According to Janda, these core areas of stress in the spine complies to transitional zones where the morphology of nearby vertebrae changes. What causes UCS? Poor posture is the main contributor to UCS. Long periods of time spent driving, using a computer, or sitting at a desk cause people to slump forward, which can cause their shoulders to round and their neck to protrude forward. The upper trapezius, levator scapula, pectoralis major, and minor muscles are overworked and strained as a result of this post

Special tests for Cervical Radiculopathy

What does Cervical Radiculopathy mean? Cervical radiculopathy is a medical condition that arises from the irritation or damage of one or more nerve roots located in the neck region, which can lead to symptoms like pain, weakness, numbness, or  tingling sensations in the arms, shoulders, and neck.  The underlying cause of cervical radiculopathy is often linked to spinal conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, which compress or put pressure on the nerves in the cervical spine. Treatment options for cervical radiculopathy may include medication, physical therapy, or surgery in severe cases. Spurling test: Purpose: The Spurling test is a physical examination used to diagnose cervical radiculopathy, which results from the compression or irritation of cervical nerve roots. This test is named after Dr Harry Spurling, who  first described it in 1944. Technique: During the Spurling test, the patient sits with their head tilted and rotated to one side. The

Double Crush Syndrome- symptoms, diagnosis & treatment

What is double crush syndrome? Double crush syndrome is a medical condition that can be difficult to diagnose and may be overlooked or misunderstood. It occurs when a nerve is compressed or irritated at two or more points along its pathway, leading to symptoms in areas where the same nerve innervates.  This condition was first described in the 1970s and has since been recognized as a potential cause of pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling, among other symptoms.  It is often seen in individuals who perform repetitive movements with their hands or other body parts and can be exacerbated by underlying conditions such as diabetes or arthritis. Etiology & Pathophysiology Double crush syndrome can potentially develop in any part of the body where a nerve pathway exists, but it is most frequently observed in the upper extremities, especially in the hands and arms.  It is often seen in individuals who perform repetitive movements with their hands, such as musicians, computer users, or at