Memory Joggers: Back Pain Red Flags Requiring Image Study
- Neurologic deficit (bilateral or progressive neuropathy)
- Recent significant trauma
- Recent mild trauma in a patient >50 years of age
- History of prolonged corticosteroid use
- History of osteoporosis
- Older patient with new-onset back pain
- History of cancer
- History of a recent infection
- Temperature >38°C (100.4°F)
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Unexplained weight loss
- Low back pain that is worse at rest or during the night
- Disability caused by low back pain and of greater than four weeks' duration
- Perianal numbness with bowel syndrome and bladder dysfunction
|
|
