Question

A 38-year-old man with chronic low back pain for 6 weeks, no neurological deficits and no red-flag features (no history of cancer, trauma, infection risk, or weight loss) requests an MRI because he is worried about a slipped disc. According to Choosing Wisely Canada, what is the best next step?

Accepted Answer

Provide reassurance and conservative management without imaging

Answer

Order lumbar spine MRI to reassure him

Answer

Order lumbar spine X-ray

Answer

Order CT scan of the lumbar spine

Answer

Refer urgently to neurosurgery

Practice question

A 38-year-old man with chronic low back pain for 6 weeks, no neurological deficits and no red-flag features (no history of cancer, trauma, infection risk, or weight loss) requests an MRI because he is worried about a slipped disc. According to Choosing Wisely Canada, what is the best next step?