A 48-year-old man presents with acute severe low back pain radiating to the right leg after lifting a heavy box. He has no red flag features (no traum...

Question

A 48-year-old man presents with acute severe low back pain radiating to the right leg after lifting a heavy box. He has no red flag features (no trauma, fever, weight loss, neurological deficit, or cancer history). According to Choosing Wisely Canada, what is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Conservative management with analgesia and advice to stay active without imaging

Answer

Immediate lumbar MRI

Answer

Plain lumbar spine radiographs

Answer

Urgent referral for spinal surgery

Answer

Bone scan to exclude metastases

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