Acute Neck Pain
LATIN collum (neck) + poena (pain) [noun]
Definition Sudden onset of pain in the neck, often resulting from muscle strain, ligament sprain, or poor posture. Prevalence Affects approximately 1 in 5 people annually, often triggered by sudden movements or prolonged strain. Symptoms Stiffness, sharp or aching pain, difficulty turning the head, and possible radiating pain to the shoulders or arms. Diagnosis Clinical examination, patient history, and in some cases, imaging to rule out serious conditions. Prevention Maintaining good posture, ergonomic adjustments, and regular stretching of the neck and upper back muscles. Treatment Manual therapy, gentle neck mobilisation, prescribed physiotherapy exercises, and short-term pain relief measures (heat or cold therapy).
Acute Back Pain
LATIN dorsum (back) + poena (pain) [noun]
Definition Sudden, severe pain or stiffness in the lower or upper back, commonly caused by muscle strain, ligament sprain, or improper lifting. Prevalence The most common cause of work-related disability, affecting up to 80% of adults at least once in their lifetime. Symptoms Sharp, localised pain, difficulty bending or lifting, and muscle spasms. In some cases, referred pain to the legs (sciatica). Diagnosis Clinical examination, patient-reported symptoms, and, if required, imaging to rule out fractures or disc injuries. Prevention Proper lifting techniques, regular core strengthening, and maintaining an ergonomic workspace. Treatment Rest, manual therapy, physiotherapy to address imbalances, and education on posture and movement patterns to prevent recurrence.
Shoulder Pain
LATIN scapula + poena (pain) [noun]
Definition Sudden onset of pain in the shoulder, often caused by injury or overuse. Prevalence Affects up to 26% of adults during their lifetime. Symptoms Sharp or stabbing pain, reduced range of motion, tenderness. Diagnosis Physical exam, ultrasound or MRI for severe cases. Prevention Proper posture, ergonomic adjustments, gradual load increase in activities. Treatment Manual therapy, pain relief strategies, targeted strengthening exercises.
Groin Pain
LATIN inguen + poena (pain) [noun]
Definition Pain in the inner thigh or pelvis, often from muscle strain or injury. Prevalence Common in athletes, especially those playing sports with sudden directional changes. Symptoms Sharp or aching pain during movement, tenderness, reduced mobility. Diagnosis Physical tests, imaging if severe. Prevention Stretching, strengthening core and hip muscles, gradual warm-ups. Treatment Rest, manual therapy, physiotherapy exercises.
Hip Pain
OLD ENGLISH hype + LATIN poena (pain) [noun]
Definition Sudden or sharp pain in the hip joint or surrounding muscles. Prevalence A leading cause of musculoskeletal pain in active individuals. Symptoms Pain with walking or weight-bearing, stiffness, difficulty sitting comfortably. Diagnosis Clinical exam, imaging for structural issues. Prevention Strengthening exercises, proper movement techniques. Treatment Manual therapy, activity modification, prescribed exercises.
Hip Bursitis
GREEK bursa (purse, sac) + itis (inflammation) [noun]
Definition Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) around the hip joint, often from overuse or pressure. Prevalence Common in adults over 40, especially in those with repetitive hip motion or poor biomechanics. Symptoms Pain on the outside of the hip, tenderness, worsened by lying on the affected side or prolonged standing. Diagnosis Clinical examination, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm bursitis. Prevention Avoiding repetitive activities, maintaining hip strength and flexibility. Treatment Rest, manual therapy, strengthening exercises, corticosteroid injections if necessary.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
LATIN patella (kneecap) + GREEK tenon (tendon) + itis (inflammation) [noun]
Definition Inflammation or degeneration of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Prevalence Common in athletes involved in jumping sports, affecting up to 14% of athletes. Symptoms Pain and tenderness at the base of the kneecap, stiffness, worsening with activity. Diagnosis Clinical assessment, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm tendon changes. Prevention Proper warm-ups, strengthening quadriceps, avoiding overuse. Treatment Eccentric strengthening exercises, manual therapy, activity modification, and sometimes shockwave therapy.
Achilles Tendinopathy
GREEK mythos Achilles (hero) + tenon (tendon) + pathos (suffering) [noun]
Definition Pain and inflammation of the Achilles tendon, often due to overuse. Prevalence Common in runners, affecting up to 10% of athletes. Symptoms Pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle, worsened by activity. Diagnosis Ultrasound, clinical exam. Prevention Gradual training, calf strengthening, proper footwear. Treatment Eccentric loading exercises, manual therapy, activity modification.
Plantar Fasciitis
LATIN planta (sole) + fascia (band) + itis (inflammation)
Definition Inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing heel and arch pain. Prevalence Affects 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives. Symptoms Sharp pain under the heel, especially in the morning or after rest. Diagnosis Clinical examination, ultrasound for severe cases. Prevention Proper footwear, stretching, gradual increase in activity. Treatment Manual therapy, foot strengthening exercises, orthotics.
Ankle Sprain
OLD ENGLISH anclēow (ankle) + OLD FRENCH espraindre (to wring) [noun]
Definition Injury to the ligaments of the ankle, usually from twisting or rolling the joint. Prevalence Common in sports and everyday activities, accounting for 10–30% of sports injuries. Symptoms Swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, localised tenderness. Diagnosis Physical examination, stress tests, imaging if severe. Prevention Strengthening exercises, proper footwear, using ankle supports. Treatment RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), manual therapy, proprioception exercises.
