[When should a patient with low back pain/sciatica be referred to the emergency ward?]

Abstract

Low back pain and sciatica are common causes of medical consultation. The medical history and the physical examination are essential in their management. The primary care physician initiates treatment and relies on his physical examination to identify "red flags" that require further investigations. Regarding sciatica, it is essential to identify 3 clinical entities that require prompt referral to the emergency department for prompt neurosurgical management. These include hyperalgic sciatica, sciatica with motor deficits and the cauda equina syndrome. Sciatica with sensory deficits do not require emergency department referral.