Lumbar back pain

Question 1

common cause of lumbar back pain in young people

Answer 1

mechanical back pain - starts suddenly, unilateral, may be helped by rest

Question 2

causes of mechanical back pain

Answer 2

lumbar disc prolapse
osteoarthritis
fractures
spondylolisthesis
spinal stenosis

Question 3

history and examination mechanical back pain

Answer 3

often sudden onset
pain worse in evening
morning stiffness absent
exercise aggravates pain

Question 4

management mechanical back pain

Answer 4

analgesia, brief rest and physio

exercise programmes