Clinical QuickieMusculoskeletal
Low Back Pain
Most uncomplicated acute low back pain does not need imaging on day one.
Look for red flags first
Progressive weakness, bowel/bladder dysfunction, saddle anesthesia, cancer, infection risk, fracture risk, major trauma, fever, or systemic symptoms change the pathway.
Mechanical pain usually improves with time
Encourage activity as tolerated rather than prolonged bed rest; education and gradual return to function matter.
Medication choice should be risk-adjusted
NSAIDs, acetaminophen, muscle relaxants, and other options have different GI, renal, cardiovascular, sedation, and fall-risk considerations.
Imaging should answer a management question
Without red flags, early imaging often finds incidental anatomy rather than the cause of pain.
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