Question

A 33-year-old man attends the GP with chronic lower back pain for 4 months after lifting heavy boxes at work. He has no red flag symptoms and a normal neurological examination. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Advise continuing normal activities, simple analgesia and physiotherapy

Answer

Immediate lumbar spine MRI

Answer

Bed rest for 2 weeks and strong opioids

Answer

Refer urgently to neurosurgery

Answer

Prescribe benzodiazepines for muscle relaxation

Practice question

A 33-year-old man attends the GP with chronic lower back pain for 4 months after lifting heavy boxes at work. He has no red flag symptoms and a normal neurological examination. What is the most appropriate initial management?