A 39-year-old warehouse worker has 4 days of low back pain after lifting boxes. Pain is localized, neurologic examination is normal, and there is no

Question

A 39-year-old warehouse worker has 4 days of low back pain after lifting boxes. Pain is localized, neurologic examination is normal, and there is no fever, cancer history, trauma, or bowel or bladder dysfunction. Which of the following would you advise this patient?

Accepted Answer

Encourage activity and use NSAIDs as needed

Answer

Order lumbar MRI today

Answer

Prescribe 2 weeks of bed rest

Answer

Refer for spinal surgery

Answer

Start chronic opioid therapy

Mechanical low back pain — ABFM Board MCQ

A 39-year-old warehouse worker has 4 days of low back pain after lifting boxes. Pain is localized, neurologic examination is normal, and there is no fever, cancer history, trauma, or bowel or bladder dysfunction. Which of the following would you advise this patient?