The Rational Clinical Examination
David L. Simel, Drummond Rennie
Low Back Pain
Richard A. Deyo, James Rainville, Daniel L. Kent
Low Back Pain: Introduction
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. ..."
Log in to read the full chapter:
Get full access to JAMAevidence two ways:
Subscribe to JAMAevidence
JAMAevidence is a subscription-
based website dedicated to the learning, teaching, and practicing of evidence-based medicine.
Pay Per View
Timed access to all of JAMAevidence
24 hours for $29.95
48 hours for $49.95