A 50-year-old man with chronic low back pain without red flag symptoms is requesting imaging. He has had pain for 3 months, worse with movement, with ...

Question

A 50-year-old man with chronic low back pain without red flag symptoms is requesting imaging. He has had pain for 3 months, worse with movement, with no weight loss, neurological deficit or systemic features. According to back pain guidelines, what is the most appropriate management regarding imaging?

Accepted Answer

No imaging is required at this stage; focus on conservative management

Answer

Order lumbar spine X-ray immediately

Answer

Order MRI of the lumbar spine immediately

Answer

Order CT scan of the lumbar spine immediately

Answer

Refer for whole body bone scan

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Non-specific low back pain