Back pain

Question 1

What does the typical low back pain look like?

Answer 1

Low back, buttocks,thighs
usually age 20-55
systemically well
mechanical pian (better or worse with movement and positioning)
Usually better after 6 weeks
advice, symptom management

Question 2

nerve root pain

Answer 2

unilateral paina nd parasthesia
leg>back
motor loss
sensory loss
reflex loss
reflex changes
nerve stretch pain- if stretch femoral or sciatic nerve should increase pain
will improve but will take months ( 18 months on average)
advice, symptom management

Question 3

Who needs an urgent referral

Answer 3

history of cancer
wt loss
non-mechanical pain
severe night pain not improved by lying in bed
past history of TB/ HIV/I-V drug abuse
recent trauma, osteoporosis,long term steroid use
prolonged early morning joint stiffness
widespread neurological changes