Back pain: indications for imaging
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Back pain: indications for imaging. Age ≥ 50 years, Persistent pain for 6 weeks on conservative treatment. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
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
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Neurological indications
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Imaging modalities for back pain
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References
- 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.
- Jarvik JG, Deyo RA. Diagnostic evaluation of low back pain with emphasis on imaging. Ann Intern Med 2002; 137:586-597.
- 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.
- Will JS, Bury DC, Miller JA. Mechanical low back pain. Am Fam Physician 2018; 98:421-428.
- 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.
