PRELIMS: Low Back Pain

Question 1

Question: What are the two main classifications of LBP based on duration?

Answer 1

Acute LBP – Lasts ≤6 weeks
Chronic LBP – Lasts >6 weeks

Question 2

What are the risk factors for developing LBP?

Answer 2

Age
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Previous episodes of LBP
Psychological factors (depression, fear-avoidance behavior)

Question 2

What are the most common mechanical causes of LBP?

Answer 2

Muscle strain/Ligament sprain
Lumbar disc herniation
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Facet Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
Spondylolisthesis
Spinal Stenosis

Question 2

What are the neurological causes of LBP?

Answer 2

Radiculopathy (Sciatica) – Nerve root compression, radiating pain
Cauda Equina Syndrome – Severe nerve compression with bowel/bladder dysfunction (Medical Emergency!)

Question 2

What are some special tests used for LBP assessment?

Answer 2

Slump Test (for neural tension)
Single Leg Raise (SLR) (for disc herniation)
Stork Test (for spondylolisthesis)
Sorensen Test (for back extensor endurance)

Question 2

Name three systemic/inflammatory causes of LBP.

Answer 2

Ankylosing Spondylitis
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoporosis/Compression Fractures

Question 2

What are the primary treatments for LBP?

Answer 2

Exercise Therapy (Strongest Evidence)
Manual Therapy (Joint mobilization & manipulation)
Patient Education (Self-management & activity resumption)
Classification-Based Treatment (TBC, MDT, CFT, etc.)

Question 3

What are the key recommended exercises for chronic LBP?

Answer 3

Trunk strengthening
Endurance exercises
Multimodal exercises
Aerobic & aquatic exercises

Question 3

What is the recommended treatment for acute LBP?

Answer 3

Manual therapy (joint mobilization)
Patient education (stay active, avoid bed rest)
Pain management (as needed)