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