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Review
. 2017 Apr;23(2, Selected Topics in Outpatient Neurology):467-486.
doi: 10.1212/CON.0000000000000449.

Low Back Pain

Jinny O Tavee, Kerry H Levin
Review

Low Back Pain

Jinny O Tavee et al. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2017 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This article provides an overview of evaluating and treating low back pain in the outpatient setting.

Recent findings: As most cases of acute low back pain have a favorable prognosis, current guidelines on imaging studies recommend conservative treatment for 6 weeks prior to obtaining an MRI if no red flags are present. Of these red flags, a prior history of cancer is the strongest risk factor for a malignant etiology and requires urgent evaluation with MRI. Management of acute low back pain is mainly conservative with oral non-narcotic analgesics and mobilization as the initial recommendations. For patients with radiculopathy, epidural steroids may result in short-term pain relief, but long-term effects are still unclear.

Summary: A systematic, evidence-based approach to the patient with low back pain is key to providing safe and cost-efficient care.

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