Question

A 35-year-old man complains of chronic low back pain for 8 weeks after lifting at work. There is no history of trauma, weight loss, fever, neurological deficit or malignancy. Examination is normal. According to Australian back pain guidelines, what is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Encourage activity, provide simple analgesia and reassure, with delayed imaging only if red flags develop

Answer

Order immediate MRI of the lumbar spine

Answer

Advise bed rest for 2 weeks

Answer

Start long-term opioid therapy

Answer

Refer urgently for spinal surgery

Practice question

A 35-year-old man complains of chronic low back pain for 8 weeks after lifting at work. There is no history of trauma, weight loss, fever, neurological deficit or malignancy. Examination is normal. According to Australian back pain guidelines, what is the most appropriate management?