Question

A 50-year-old man presents to his rural GP with acute onset severe back pain after lifting a heavy object. There is no trauma, weight loss, fever or neurological deficit. Straight leg raise is negative. According to Australian low back pain guidelines, what is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Prescribe simple analgesia and encourage early mobilisation

Answer

Order immediate lumbar spine MRI

Answer

Arrange urgent neurosurgical referral

Answer

Advise strict bed rest for 2 weeks

Answer

Prescribe long-term opioids as first-line analgesia

Practice question