Discussion: Assessing Musculoskeletal Pain
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Fotosearch RF
The body is constantly sending signals about its health. One of the most easily recognized signals is pain. Musculoskeletal conditions comprise one of the leading causes of severe long-term pain in patients. The musculoskeletal system is an elaborate system of interconnected levers that provides the body with support and mobility. Because of the interconnectedness of the musculoskeletal system, identifying the causes of pain can be challenging. Accurately interpreting the cause of musculoskeletal pain requires an assessment process informed by patient history and physical exams.
In this Discussion, you will consider case studies that describe abnormal findings in patients seen in a clinical setting.
To prepare:
- By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to one of the following specific case studies for this Discussion. Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.
- Your Discussion post should be in the Episodic/Focused SOAP Note format rather than the traditional narrative style Discussion posting format. Refer to Chapter 2 of the Sullivan text and the Episodic/Focused SOAP Template in the Week 5 Learning Resources for guidance. Remember that all Episodic/Focused SOAP notes have specific data included in every patient case.
- Review the following case studies:
Case 1: Back Pain
Photo Credit: University of Virginia. (n.d.). Lumbar Spine Anatomy [Photograph]. Retrieved from Used with permission of University of Virginia.
A 42-year-old male reports pain in his lower back for the past month. The pain sometimes radiates to his left leg. In determining the cause of the back pain, based on your knowledge of anatomy, what nerve roots might be involved? How would you test for each of them? What other symptoms need to be explored? What are your differential diagnoses for acute low back pain? Consider the possible origins using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) guidelines as a framework. What physical examination will you perform? What special maneuvers will you perform?
This week there are 3 case studies…all musculoskeletal issues. My favorite assessment!! You will be creating a SOAP note with differentials. Be sure to follow the rubric…each case study will have you implement some evidence based resources to make your diagnostic decisions. Be sure to utilize these in your rationale for what testing you would need to do. The assignments for this week are as follows:
Expert Solution Preview
In this assignment, students will be analyzing case studies related to musculoskeletal pain. They will be required to use the Episodic/Focused SOAP Note format to present their findings. The first case study focuses on back pain in a 42-year-old male. Based on knowledge of anatomy, students are asked to identify possible nerve roots that may be involved and how to test for each of them. Additionally, they need to explore other symptoms and provide differential diagnoses for acute low back pain. To do so, they can refer to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guidelines. Students must also perform a physical examination and use special maneuvers to gather more information. It is important to utilize evidence-based resources to make diagnostic decisions and provide reasoning for testing.
