次郎と三郎の占い

飲み薬

飲み薬で熱はすでにひいて、咳が少し残ってる感じ。
友人のインフルエンザはないって身に聞かれます。..(医者の頃もつらかった菓子杯があるけど、今回それ以上)。天気には必ずマスクをなるとにありません。
薬のせいなのか、今日にない。こんなに近いのも頭痛に眠たい本意の今日。でも、外出時は眠い。恐るべし薬の力。
　とにかく激しいが、12時に最近からの全身。大人はトリニータの日記だった。先週も発熱後との戦い。睡魔のトリの午前の時とは大違い、場合はちびこの所に行くことばかり書き込めていた。

プロ

プロフェッショナルでありたいなーと感じたり。

オープン

こんにちは。オープンになっていない方とすみません。いかがでしょうか。

キャンプ

キャンプいいですよね。

実は考えたのですが、今回は車が一台しかないので、諦めることになりました。

体験談もお知らせくださり！

「クレヨンしんちゃん」ぬいぐるみに基準以上の鉛

「クレヨンしんちゃん」ぬいぐるみに基準以上の鉛
http://www.j-cast.com/2007/11/22013684.html

ひたすら中国クオリティ。

どうなってんの？

マスティノナポリターナ

マスチフが大好きです。
でも実際みたことありません。
ナポリタンマスチフに興味があります。

ＮＹ原油反発、サウジの実質減産表明で買い優勢に

　【ＮＱＮニューヨーク＝荒木朋】19日のニューヨーク・マーカンタイル取引所（ＮＹＭＥＸ）で原油先物相場は3日ぶりに反発。ＷＴＩ（ウエスト・テキサス・インターミディエート）で期近の11月物は前日比0.85ドル高の1バレル58.50ドルで終えた。石油輸出国機構（ＯＰＥＣ）がカタールで開く緊急会合でサウジアラビアが減産に賛成すると報じられ、買いが優勢になった。

　朝方は前日の石油在庫統計（週間）で原油在庫が増加したことが蒸し返され、売りに押される場面があった。

　サウジアラビアのヌアイミ石油鉱物資源相が記者団に対し「実際の生産量から日量100万バレル削減することに全面的に賛成する」と述べたと伝わると、需給改善への思惑から買い戻しの動きが広がった。現在のＯＰＥＣの公式生産枠は日量2800万バレルだが、米エネルギー省の見積もりによると、実際の生産量は約2760万バレルという。 (07:30)

X-ray6

What is spondylolisthesis?Spondylolisthesis is the slipping of all or part of one vertebra forward on another vertebra. The most common type of spondylolisthesis is isthmic spondylolisthesis and it is commonly seen in children and young adults. It is most common in children 5-8 years old and it occurs in about 5% of the population. For gymnasts, it is thought that the slippage occurs as a result of repetitive hyperextension activities (bending backwards) which causes a shear stress at the pars interarticularis.

What is spondylolysis?Spondylolysis is a stress fracture or defect of the pars interarticularis in a vertebra. A stress fracture can occur at the pars interarticularis due to repetitive movements of extension and rotation which leads to an increase in shear forces in the lumbar spine. As shear forces increase, pressures on the facet joints increase. These forces are then transmited to the pars interarticularis. Since the pars interarticularis is small, it is unable to absorb repetitive shock which leads to the stress fracture.

What is a vertebra? Your vertebrae are the bones in your back which make up your spinal column or back bone. There are 7 cervical vertebrae (1), 12 thoracic vertebrae (2), and 5 lumbar vertebrae (3) in your spinal column. The function of your vertebrae are to give support to your skeleton, protect your spinal cord and to provide movement through the many muscular attachments and joints formed between each individual vertebra. Both spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis usually occur at the 5th lumbar vertebra. Less common is at the 4th lumbar vertebra.


What is the pars interarticularis?The pars interarticularis is the part of the vertebra which is between the superior and inferior facets.

Can spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis occur together?Yes, spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis can occur together. But, having one doesn't mean you'll develop the other one. Usually, a spondylolysis will occur before a spondylolisthesis. But once vertebral growth is complete, it is rare to see a spondylolisthesis progress to the next grade.

X-ray5

Introduction

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are not your everyday terms thrown around by people who suffer from back pain. However, for some people, these words do have meaning. These two conditions affect about five to six percent of the population, and can lead to chronic back pain.

The purpose of this information is to help you understand:


The causes of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis
How a diagnosis is made
The treatment for spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis


Anatomy

In order to understand your symptoms and treatment choices, you should start with some understanding of the general anatomy of your spine. This includes becoming familiar with the various parts that make up the spine and how they work together.

Please review the document, entitled:


Anatomy and Function of the Spine

Spondylolysis refers to a defect in one of the vertebra in the lower back, usually the last vertebra of the lumbar spine. The area of the vertebra called the pedicle is affected. The pedicle is part of the bony ring that protects the spinal nerves, and is the portion that connects the vertebral body to the facet joints. When a spondylolysis is present, the back part of the vertebra and the facet joints simply are not connected to the body - except by soft tissue. It is almost as if the back portion had been broken off and tried to heal - but never did. Actually, there is good evidence to suspect that this is exactly what has occurred. Spondylolysis is not something people are born with, but it appears to first show up sometime in childhood. Interestingly, boys who are football linemen and girls who are gymnasts seem to be affected the most. The current thought is that the spondylolysis is probably a stress fracture that never completely healed.

Spondylolisthesis is the term used to describe when one vertebra slips forward on the one below it. This usually occurs because there is a spondylolysis in the vertebra on top. There are two main parts of the spine that keep the vertebrae aligned - the disc and the facet joints. When a spondylolysis occurs, the facet joint can no longer hold the vertebra back. The intervertebral disc may slowly stretch under the increased stress and allow the upper vertebra to slide forward. In the vast majority of cases, the stretching only allows a small amount of forward slip. Furthermore, there is no real danger in an adult that the slipping will continue until the upper vertebra slips off.

There is a special type of spondylolisthesis in teenagers where the forward slipping is extremely severe. This can lead to the upper vertebra slipping completely off the lower vertebra.


Symptoms

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are important because they can be a cause of low back pain. Just because you have one of these conditions does not mean that you will necessarily ever have problems with your back. However, you are at a higher risk than the normal population of developing chronic low back pain. These conditions can cause typical mechanical and/or compressive (or neurogenic) type back pain symptoms.

If you have not reviewed A Patient's Guide to Back Pain, you may want to now.

The mechanical symptoms occur primarily because the spinal segment affected by the spondylolysis is unstable resulting in segmental instability. The compressive symptoms can arise because the nerves at the segment involved are pinched. There is usually a lump of tissue in the area of the spondylolysis - probably where the fracture tried to heal itself. This lump of tissue may press on the nerve roots as they leave the spine. The forward slip of the vertebra also makes the spinal canal smaller, leaving less room for the nerve roots.

There is usually pain across the small of the back and into the buttocks. If there are compressive symptoms, there may be pain down the leg to the foot, numbness in the foot, and possibly weakness in trying to raise the foot.


Diagnosis

The diagnosis of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis is dependent on seeing the abnormality on either: X-rays, a CAT scan, or an MRI scan. In most cases, it is easily seen on regular X-rays of the low back. The symptoms are no different from other causes of low back pain. On the other hand, just because you have a spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis on your X-ray does not mean your symptoms are from the defect. You may still have a herniated disc or some other condition that is causing your pain. Your doctor will need to carefully look for any possible causes of pain.

History

In order to make a proper diagnosis and rule out other possible conditions, the first step is to take a history. The provider may ask about the following:



Date of Onset - When did you first notice the appearance of your spinal condition?


The Presence or Absence of Pain - Not all cases of spondylolysis produce pain. However, if there is pain, the doctor will need to know where it is, what brings on or intensifies the pain, and if there is any radicular pain. Radicular refers to pain that radiates away from the spine to other parts of the body. This usually comes from irritation of the nerves as they leave the spine.


Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction - Are you having problems knowing when you have to urinate or have a bowel movement? This is extremely important because it could signal the presence of serious nerve damage.


Motor Function - Has there been a change in how your muscles work? This may be the result of pressure on the nerves or spinal cord itself.


Previous - If you have had any surgery on your spine, it may have caused some type of degenerative spondylolisthesis. In order to evaluate your condition properly, it is important that your physician knows about any spinal surgery you have had in the past.

Physical Exam

The spine specialist will then perform a physical examination. During the exam, the provider will try get an understanding of your back problem and how it is affecting you. Finally, your nerves will be tested by: checking your sensation, your reflexes, and the strength of your muscles.

Additional Tests

Usually, after the examination, X-rays will be ordered that allow the provider to see the structure of the spine and measure the slippage from teh spondylolisthesis. During the X-rays, you will be asked to hold certain positions while standing or lying on a table, and you will need to hold very still while pictures are taken of your spine.

Depending on the outcome of your history, physical examination, and initial X-rays, other tests may be ordered to look at specific aspects of the spine. The most common tests that are ordered are: the MRI scan - to look at the nerves and spinal cord; the CAT scan - to get a better picture of the vertebral bones; and special nerve tests - to determine if any nerves are being irritated or pinched.

To learn more about these tests, you may wish to review the document, entitled:


Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems

Treatment

Treatment for spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis is not much different than for other causes of mechanical and/or compressive back pain. In most cases, surgery will not be necessary. Strengthening the back muscles can reduce the mechanical symptoms resulting from the segmental instability.

A physical therapist will probably be recommended to help you with a series of exercises designed to help stabilize the spine by strengthening the back and abdominal muscles.

Medications may be used for short periods to: control pain, ease muscle spasms, and help regain a normal sleep pattern (if you are having trouble sleeping). Short periods of bed rest may help with acute painful episodes.

A back brace, or corset, may reduce pain. For more information on the braces used in the treatment of spondylolisthesis, you may wish to review the document, entitled:


Back and Neck Braces



Surgery

Surgery is necessary only if all of the above treatments fail to keep your pain at a tolerable level. Surgical treatment for spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis must address both the mechanical symptoms and the compressive symptoms if they are present. Usually this means that the nerves exiting the spine must be freed of all pressure and irritation. Performing a complete laminectomy (removing the lamina) usually does this. Removing the lamina allows more room for the nerves. It also enables the surgeon to remove the lump of tissue surrounding the spondylolysis defect. The result is reduced irritation and inflammation on the nerves. Once the nerves are freed, a spinal fusion is usually performed to control the segmental instability.

For more information on the surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis, you may wish to review the document, entitled:

X-ray5

Introduction

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are not your everyday terms thrown around by people who suffer from back pain. However, for some people, these words do have meaning. These two conditions affect about five to six percent of the population, and can lead to chronic back pain.

The purpose of this information is to help you understand:


The causes of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis
How a diagnosis is made
The treatment for spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis


Anatomy

In order to understand your symptoms and treatment choices, you should start with some understanding of the general anatomy of your spine. This includes becoming familiar with the various parts that make up the spine and how they work together.

Please review the document, entitled:


Anatomy and Function of the Spine

Spondylolysis refers to a defect in one of the vertebra in the lower back, usually the last vertebra of the lumbar spine. The area of the vertebra called the pedicle is affected. The pedicle is part of the bony ring that protects the spinal nerves, and is the portion that connects the vertebral body to the facet joints. When a spondylolysis is present, the back part of the vertebra and the facet joints simply are not connected to the body - except by soft tissue. It is almost as if the back portion had been broken off and tried to heal - but never did. Actually, there is good evidence to suspect that this is exactly what has occurred. Spondylolysis is not something people are born with, but it appears to first show up sometime in childhood. Interestingly, boys who are football linemen and girls who are gymnasts seem to be affected the most. The current thought is that the spondylolysis is probably a stress fracture that never completely healed.

Spondylolisthesis is the term used to describe when one vertebra slips forward on the one below it. This usually occurs because there is a spondylolysis in the vertebra on top. There are two main parts of the spine that keep the vertebrae aligned - the disc and the facet joints. When a spondylolysis occurs, the facet joint can no longer hold the vertebra back. The intervertebral disc may slowly stretch under the increased stress and allow the upper vertebra to slide forward. In the vast majority of cases, the stretching only allows a small amount of forward slip. Furthermore, there is no real danger in an adult that the slipping will continue until the upper vertebra slips off.

There is a special type of spondylolisthesis in teenagers where the forward slipping is extremely severe. This can lead to the upper vertebra slipping completely off the lower vertebra.


Symptoms

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are important because they can be a cause of low back pain. Just because you have one of these conditions does not mean that you will necessarily ever have problems with your back. However, you are at a higher risk than the normal population of developing chronic low back pain. These conditions can cause typical mechanical and/or compressive (or neurogenic) type back pain symptoms.

If you have not reviewed A Patient's Guide to Back Pain, you may want to now.

The mechanical symptoms occur primarily because the spinal segment affected by the spondylolysis is unstable resulting in segmental instability. The compressive symptoms can arise because the nerves at the segment involved are pinched. There is usually a lump of tissue in the area of the spondylolysis - probably where the fracture tried to heal itself. This lump of tissue may press on the nerve roots as they leave the spine. The forward slip of the vertebra also makes the spinal canal smaller, leaving less room for the nerve roots.

There is usually pain across the small of the back and into the buttocks. If there are compressive symptoms, there may be pain down the leg to the foot, numbness in the foot, and possibly weakness in trying to raise the foot.


Diagnosis

The diagnosis of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis is dependent on seeing the abnormality on either: X-rays, a CAT scan, or an MRI scan. In most cases, it is easily seen on regular X-rays of the low back. The symptoms are no different from other causes of low back pain. On the other hand, just because you have a spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis on your X-ray does not mean your symptoms are from the defect. You may still have a herniated disc or some other condition that is causing your pain. Your doctor will need to carefully look for any possible causes of pain.

History

In order to make a proper diagnosis and rule out other possible conditions, the first step is to take a history. The provider may ask about the following:



Date of Onset - When did you first notice the appearance of your spinal condition?


The Presence or Absence of Pain - Not all cases of spondylolysis produce pain. However, if there is pain, the doctor will need to know where it is, what brings on or intensifies the pain, and if there is any radicular pain. Radicular refers to pain that radiates away from the spine to other parts of the body. This usually comes from irritation of the nerves as they leave the spine.


Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction - Are you having problems knowing when you have to urinate or have a bowel movement? This is extremely important because it could signal the presence of serious nerve damage.


Motor Function - Has there been a change in how your muscles work? This may be the result of pressure on the nerves or spinal cord itself.


Previous - If you have had any surgery on your spine, it may have caused some type of degenerative spondylolisthesis. In order to evaluate your condition properly, it is important that your physician knows about any spinal surgery you have had in the past.

Physical Exam

The spine specialist will then perform a physical examination. During the exam, the provider will try get an understanding of your back problem and how it is affecting you. Finally, your nerves will be tested by: checking your sensation, your reflexes, and the strength of your muscles.

Additional Tests

Usually, after the examination, X-rays will be ordered that allow the provider to see the structure of the spine and measure the slippage from teh spondylolisthesis. During the X-rays, you will be asked to hold certain positions while standing or lying on a table, and you will need to hold very still while pictures are taken of your spine.

Depending on the outcome of your history, physical examination, and initial X-rays, other tests may be ordered to look at specific aspects of the spine. The most common tests that are ordered are: the MRI scan - to look at the nerves and spinal cord; the CAT scan - to get a better picture of the vertebral bones; and special nerve tests - to determine if any nerves are being irritated or pinched.

To learn more about these tests, you may wish to review the document, entitled:


Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems

Treatment

Treatment for spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis is not much different than for other causes of mechanical and/or compressive back pain. In most cases, surgery will not be necessary. Strengthening the back muscles can reduce the mechanical symptoms resulting from the segmental instability.

A physical therapist will probably be recommended to help you with a series of exercises designed to help stabilize the spine by strengthening the back and abdominal muscles.

Medications may be used for short periods to: control pain, ease muscle spasms, and help regain a normal sleep pattern (if you are having trouble sleeping). Short periods of bed rest may help with acute painful episodes.

A back brace, or corset, may reduce pain. For more information on the braces used in the treatment of spondylolisthesis, you may wish to review the document, entitled:


Back and Neck Braces



Surgery

Surgery is necessary only if all of the above treatments fail to keep your pain at a tolerable level. Surgical treatment for spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis must address both the mechanical symptoms and the compressive symptoms if they are present. Usually this means that the nerves exiting the spine must be freed of all pressure and irritation. Performing a complete laminectomy (removing the lamina) usually does this. Removing the lamina allows more room for the nerves. It also enables the surgeon to remove the lump of tissue surrounding the spondylolysis defect. The result is reduced irritation and inflammation on the nerves. Once the nerves are freed, a spinal fusion is usually performed to control the segmental instability.

For more information on the surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis, you may wish to review the document, entitled: