The Rational Clinical Examination
David L. Simel, Drummond Rennie
Low Back Pain
Richard A. Deyo, James Rainville, Daniel L. Kent
Sections:
Low Back Pain: Introduction, Anatomic/Physiologic Origins of Findings in the Low Back, Prevalence of Diseases That Produce Low Back Pain, Is There Evidence of Systemic Disease?, Is There Evidence of Neurologic Compromise?, Is There Evidence of Social or Psychological Distress That May Amplify or Prolong Pain?, Summary and Recommendations, References
Topics Discussed:
back pain, low back pain, lower back
Excerpt:
"Back pain ranks second only to upper respiratory illness as a
symptomatic reason for office visits to physicians.1 Approximately
70% of adults have low back pain at some time, but only
14% have an episode that lasts more than 2 weeks. About
1.5% have such episodes with features of sciatica.2,3 Most
causes of back pain respond to symptomatic and physical measures,
but some are surgically remediable and some are systemic diseases
(cancer or disseminated infection) requiring specific therapy, so
careful diagnostic evaluation is important. Features of the clinical
history and physical examination influence not only therapeutic choices
but also decisions about diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing,
and specialist referral. ..."
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