Back Pain and Sciatica Flashcards
what may back pain radiating to the buttocks suggest?
a muscular problem
what may back pain radiating to below the knee suggest?
a disc problem
what drugs should you ask about in the drug history of a patient presenting with back pain?
corticosteroids
immunosuppressants
antiplatelets/anticoagulants
what are four red flag symptoms for cancer in a back pain presentation?
age >50
weight loss
history of cancer
night pain
what are four red flag symptoms for fracture in a back pain presentation?
age >50
osteoporosis
trauma
chronic steroid use
what are three red flag symptoms for AAA in a back pain presentation?
age >60
abdominal pulsating mass
pain at rest
where should you look from when examining the back?
from the side and from the back
what should be palpated in a back examination?
spinous processes
SI joints
what movements should be performed in a back examination?
flexion
extension
lateral bending
rotation
all of the spine
do the majority of back pain patients require investigation?
no
70-90% resolve spontaneously inn a month
when are x-rays used for back pain?
young men to exclude AS
elderly to exclude fractures
what scan is done to asses spinal deformities for surgical planning?
an EOS scan
what is an EOS scan?
x-ray of the whole spine and 10cm of the femur
what scan is done if a patient with back pain presents with red flags or neurological symptoms?
MRI
when would labs be done in a patient with back pain?
if they have red flag symptoms
