Aust Fam Physician
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This is the seventh in our series of regional nerve blocks. This month we outline a useful block for a variety of in-hospital/clinical applications.
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This is the sixth in our series of regional nerve blocks. Femoral nerve blocks by a lateral approach, have the potential to block the lumbar plexus if sufficient volume is used.
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Practice Guideline Guideline
Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice.
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Spinal signs found in association with atypical chest and abdominal pain may suggest the pain is referred from the thoracic spine. However, the prevalence of such signs in these conditions has rarely been compared with that in those without pain. In this study, the prevalence of spinal signs and dysfunction in patients with back, chest and abdominal pain is compared with that in pain free controls. The aim of the study is to determine the significance of spinal findings in patients with such pain. ⋯ The results show an association, but not a causal link between thoracic intervertebral dysfunction and atypical chest/abdominal pain. A spinal examination should be performed routinely assessing these conditions. The minimum examination for the detection of intervertebral dysfunction is testing for pain with spinal movements and palpation for tenderness. The interpretation of positive signs requires knowledge of their prevalence in pain free controls and in patients with visceral disease.