A 38-year-old man presents with severe acute low back pain after lifting a heavy object at work. He has no trauma, fever, weight loss, neurological de...

Question

A 38-year-old man presents with severe acute low back pain after lifting a heavy object at work. He has no trauma, fever, weight loss, neurological deficits, or bowel or bladder dysfunction. Examination shows localised paraspinal tenderness and normal neurological function. According to Choosing Wisely Canada, what is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Treat with analgesia and physical activity advice without immediate imaging

Answer

Order an urgent MRI of the lumbar spine

Answer

Order a lumbar spine CT scan

Answer

Refer urgently to neurosurgery for possible decompression

Answer

Order plain lumbar spine radiographs immediately

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