Question

A 52-year-old man presents with chronic low back pain for 8 months, worse with activity and relieved by rest. There are no red-flag features. He works on a farm in rural Queensland. According to Australian back pain guidelines, what is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Advice to stay active, simple analgesia and physiotherapy

Answer

Strict bed rest for 2 weeks

Answer

Early imaging with MRI for all cases

Answer

Immediate referral for spinal surgery

Answer

Long-term opioid therapy

Practice question

A 52-year-old man presents with chronic low back pain for 8 months, worse with activity and relieved by rest. There are no red-flag features. He works on a farm in rural Queensland. According to Australian back pain guidelines, what is the most appropriate initial management?