Back pain: indications for imaging

Evidence-based neurology checklist on back pain: indications for imaging: General indications Age ≥ 50 years Persistent pain for 6 weeks on conservative treatment Progressive or disabling pain Previous history of systemic cancer History of significant trauma Unexplained fever Unexplained weight…

General indications

  • Age ≥ 50 years
  • Persistent pain for 6 weeks on conservative treatment
  • Progressive or disabling pain
  • Previous history of systemic cancer
  • History of significant trauma
  • Unexplained fever
  • Unexplained weight loss

Medication-related indications

Neurological indications

Imaging modalities for back pain

References

  1. 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.
  2. Jarvik JG, Deyo RA. Diagnostic evaluation of low back pain with emphasis on imaging. Ann Intern Med 2002; 137:586-597.
  3. Verhagen AP, Downie A, Popal N, Maher C, Koes BW. Red flags presented in current low back pain guidelines: a review. Eur Spine J 2016; 25:2788-2802.
  4. Will JS, Bury DC, Miller JA. Mechanical low back pain. Am Fam Physician 2018; 98:421-428.
  5. Chou R, Qaseem A, Snow V, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Ann Intern Med 2007; 147:478-491.

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