title: Masquerade: nonspinal musculoskeletal disorders that mimic spinal conditions.
abstract: Nonspinal musculoskeletal disorders frequently cause neck and back pain and thus can mimic conditions of the spine. Common mimics are rotator cuff tears, bursitis in the hip, peripheral nerve compression, and arthritis in the shoulder and hip. A thorough history and physical examination, imaging studies, and ancillary testing can usually help determine the source of pain.
authors.affiliation: Steadman Hawkins Clinic Spine Surgery, Frisco/Vail, Frisco, CO 80443, USA. drpateder@steadman-hawkins.com
authors.forename: Dhruv B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Pateder
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brems
authors.forename: Isador
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lieberman
authors.forename: Gordon R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: McLain
mesh_terms: D001416:Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes; D012307:Risk Factors; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology