A 48-year-old man presents with 6 months of chronic low back pain without radiculopathy after lifting heavy objects. He has no red flag symptoms (no w...

Question

A 48-year-old man presents with 6 months of chronic low back pain without radiculopathy after lifting heavy objects. He has no red flag symptoms (no weight loss, fever, trauma, or neurologic deficits). Neurologic exam is normal. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Short period of relative rest, NSAIDs, and early mobilization

Answer

MRI of the lumbar spine

Answer

CT myelogram

Answer

Immediate referral for spinal fusion surgery

Answer

Chronic opioid therapy

us-abfm MCQ (SBA): Nonspecific Low Back Pain

A 48-year-old man presents with 6 months of chronic low back pain without radiculopathy after lifting heavy objects. He has no red flag symptoms (no weight loss, fever, trauma, or neurologic deficits). Neurologic exam is normal. What is the most appropriate initial management?