A 45-year-old warehouse worker presents with 3 weeks of low back pain after lifting boxes. Pain does not radiate below the knee. There is no history o...

Question

A 45-year-old warehouse worker presents with 3 weeks of low back pain after lifting boxes. Pain does not radiate below the knee. There is no history of trauma, cancer, weight loss, fever, or neurological deficit. According to Choosing Wisely Canada, what is the best imaging strategy?

Accepted Answer

No imaging at this stage; provide conservative management and reassess if red flags develop or pain persists

Answer

Immediate lumbar spine MRI

Answer

Immediate lumbar spine radiography

Answer

CT scan of lumbar spine

Answer

Bone scan to rule out malignancy

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

A 45-year-old warehouse worker presents with 3 weeks of low back pain after lifting boxes. Pain does not radiate below the knee. There is no history of trauma, cancer, weight loss, fever, or neurological deficit. According to Choosing Wisely Canada, what is the best imaging strategy?