Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
A Common Complaint With an Uncommon Etiology: A Case Report of Back Pain Caused by Paravertebral Compartment Syndrome
Eric Xu1, Alex Kervyn1, Noah VanWingerden1
1Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
Background:
Patients presenting with acute low back pain (LBP) require prompt evaluation, diagnosis, and management to prevent permanent complications. Up to 10% to 15% of patients with LBP have been shown to display neurologic deficits that could lead to downstream complications, such as lower extremity paralysis, numbness, and neurogenic bowel and bladder.
Case Report:
The authors present a 44-year-old man who arrived at our emergency room after a drug overdose. He endorsed severe left-sided back pain, a heavy sensation in his bilateral lower extremities, and complete loss of motor and sensory ability from the waist down. Imaging of his thoracic and lumbar spine revealed diffuse edema and expansion of the left paraspinal muscles with postcontrast enhancement, concerning for acute compartment syndrome.
Conclusions:
Compartment syndrome of the paraspinal muscles is an extremely rare condition. However, paravertebral compartment syndrome must remain on the differential for practitioners who are presented with acute back pain.
More Related Videos
06:28Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
04:33Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Published on: November 8, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Other Disorders of Digestive System
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology