A 42-year-old warehouse worker has acute low back pain after lifting boxes. Pain radiates to the buttock but not below the knee. Strength, reflexes,

Question

A 42-year-old warehouse worker has acute low back pain after lifting boxes. Pain radiates to the buttock but not below the knee. Strength, reflexes, sensation, and bowel function are normal. He has no fever or cancer history. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Recommend activity as tolerated and NSAIDs

Answer

Order immediate lumbar MRI

Answer

Prescribe 30 days of bed rest

Answer

Start empiric antibiotics

Answer

Refer for spinal fusion

Low back pain — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 42-year-old warehouse worker has acute low back pain after lifting boxes. Pain radiates to the buttock but not below the knee. Strength, reflexes, sensation, and bowel function are normal. He has no fever or cancer history. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?