Back pain: causes
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Back pain: causes. Progressive motor or sensory impairment, New urinary retention or incontinence. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
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
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Vertebral osteomyelitis: red flag features
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Malignancy: red flag features
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Spinal stenosis
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Facet joint syndrome pain
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Disc herniation: features
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Other causes
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References
- Will JS, Bury DC, Miller JA. Mechanical low back pain. Am Fam Physician 2018; 98:421-428.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ferrari R. Imaging studies in patients with spinal pain: practice audit evaluation of Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations. Can Fam Physician 2016; 62:e129-e137.
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