Back pain: causes

Evidence-based neurology checklist on back pain: causes: Cauda equina syndrome (CES): red flag features Progressive motor or sensory impairment New urinary retention or incontinence New faecal incontinence Vertebral fracture: red flag features Vertebral osteomyelitis: red flag features Malignancy:…

Cauda equina syndrome (CES): red flag features

  • Progressive motor or sensory impairment
  • New urinary retention or incontinence
  • New faecal incontinence

Vertebral fracture: red flag features

Vertebral osteomyelitis: red flag features

Malignancy: red flag features

Spinal stenosis

Facet joint syndrome pain

Disc herniation: features

Other causes

References

  1. Will JS, Bury DC, Miller JA. Mechanical low back pain. Am Fam Physician 2018; 98:421-428.
  2. Galliker G, Scherer DE, Trippolini MA, Rasmussen-Barr E, LoMartire R, Wertli MM. Low back pain in the emergency department: prevalence of serious spinal pathologies and diagnostic accuracy of red flags. Am J Med 2020; 133:60-72.e14. 
  3. Green CA, Mbatidde L, Shah JR, Punj M, Kasozi RN, Maynard JR. A case of confounding back pain. Am J Case Rep 2023; 24:e939784.
  4. Allegri M, Montella S, Salici F, et al. Mechanisms of low back pain: a guide for diagnosis and therapy. Version 2. F1000Res. 2016; pii: F1000.
  5. Ferrari R. Imaging studies in patients with spinal pain: practice audit evaluation of Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations. Can Fam Physician 2016; 62:e129-e137.
  6. And 3 more. Subscribe to see the full list

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