1. Scapulothoracic bursitis
Intro: Scapulothoracic bursitis is a condition where there is inflammation of the bursa underneath the scapula. Overuse is a common cause of this condition.
Symptoms: Pain and discomfort with overhead activities.
Treatment: Therapy, postural training, and medication. A steroid injection to the area may provide relief.
2. Back Pain
A. Radiating pain down leg – Sciatica (lumbar radiculopathy)
Intro: Sciatica (lumbar radiculopathy) is a condition involving irritation of the nerve roots coming out of the lower back.
Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, and/or sharp burning pain radiating down back of the leg. There may be associated weakness as well.
Treatment: may involve warm compress, physical therapy, and medication. If unresolved, an epidural steroid injection or even surgery may be occasionally required to treat this condition. It is advised to seek medical attention for evaluation of this condition as soon as possible.
B. No radiating pain – Paraspinal muscle spasm/lumbar spine disorder
Intro: Paraspinal muscle spasm is a common cause of low back pain that may be brought on by core muscle weakness, core muscle strain, or an underlying lumbar spine condition such as arthritis. Improper posture may exacerbate this condition.
Symptoms: Tightness and pain on motion of the lower back.
Treatment: may involve warm compress, physical therapy, and medication. If underlying spine condition is involved an epidural steroid injection or even surgery may be occasionally done. It is advised to seek medical attention for evaluation.
3. Sacroiliac disease
Intro: The sacroiliac joint is the joint where the bottom of the spine (sacrum) connects to the pelvic bone. Dysfunction of the joint may be brought upon by degeneration or increased hypermobility during pregnancy.
Symptoms: Tenderness to touch and pain on certain motions of the hip.
Treatment: Medication, physical therapy, or temporary use of a pelvic belt. A steroid injection into the joint may provide relief.
4. Piriformis syndrome
Intro: Piriformis syndrome involves compression of the sciatic nerve as it exits the piriformis muscle, a deep muscle located deep in the buttock area.
Symptoms: Pain in the buttock region radiating down the back of the leg. There may be a burning sensation along with numbness and tingling.
Treatment: Physical therapy and medications, and occasionally a steroid injection. In refractory cases piriformis release surgery or external sciatic neurolysis (dissection of nerve) is considered.
5. Coccydynia
Intro: Coccydynia involves pain of the coccyx, the tail end of the spine..
Symptoms: Pain on prolonged sitting especially on hard surfaces.
Treatment: Activity modification and medication. Use of a coccydynia cushion pillow may help as well. Occasionally, a steroid injection at the coccyx may help provide relief.