Question

A 45-year-old man with low back pain and sciatica but no red flags requests MRI. Examination is normal and symptoms are 3 weeks in duration. What is the recommended approach?

Accepted Answer

Reassurance and self-management advice with analgesia; no imaging at this stage

Answer

Immediate MRI lumbar spine

Answer

Plain lumbar X-ray

Answer

Bed rest for 2 weeks then re-assess

Answer

Refer urgently to neurosurgery

Practice question

A 45-year-old man with low back pain and sciatica but no red flags requests MRI. Examination is normal and symptoms are 3 weeks in duration. What is the recommended approach?