A 36-year-old man presents with 3 months of low back pain without trauma. The pain is mechanical, improves with rest, and he denies weight loss, fever...

Question

A 36-year-old man presents with 3 months of low back pain without trauma. The pain is mechanical, improves with rest, and he denies weight loss, fever, neurological symptoms, or bowel/bladder dysfunction. Examination is normal. According to Choosing Wisely Canada, what is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Reassure, provide advice on activity and analgesia, and do not order imaging at this stage

Answer

Order immediate lumbar spine MRI

Answer

Order lumbar spine radiographs

Answer

Order whole-body bone scan to rule out malignancy

Answer

Refer urgently for neurosurgical consultation

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Non-specific low back pain