Non-specific low back pain — RACGP Fellowship MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateMusculoskeletal and sportsNon-specific low back painRACGP Fellowship

A 37‑year‑old woman presents with recurrent low back pain without trauma. Pain is mechanical; there is no fever, weight loss, history of cancer, neurological deficit or bladder dysfunction. Examination shows normal power and reflexes. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Provide reassurance, encourage activity and arrange physiotherapy‑based self‑management

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as C · C = shown as E

The correct option is E. This presentation fits non‑specific low back pain—there are no red flags for serious pathology. Australian guidelines (RACGP ‘First Do No Harm’) advise against routine imaging, bed rest, opioids or immediate surgical referral, favouring reassurance, maintenance of activity, education and physiotherapy‑based self‑management. Imaging (A) is only for suspected serious causes, bed rest (B) delays recovery, urgent surgery (C) is unnecessary without neurological complications, and long‑term strong opioids (D) are not first‑line and carry significant harms.

Reference: RACGP First Do No Harm: Imaging in adults with acute low back pain (RACGP, ~2022); Australian Prescriber ‘Managing low back pain in primary care’ (2011), https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/managing-low-back-pain-in-primary-care.html