Back Pain - General Tips

Question 1

Most episodes of back pain resolve over what period of time?

Answer 1

Most episodes of back pain resolve within a period of 6 weeks, 90% of them after 3 weeks. Back pain of more than 6 weeks’ duration requires further investigation.

Question 2

In patients younger than 45 years, what percentage of cases of chronic low back pain are due to spondyloarthritis?

Answer 2

5%

Question 3

What conditions other than seronegative spondyloarthropathies can cause inflammatory back pain?

Answer 3

• Behçet’s disease
• Discitis (infectious or aseptic)