A 22-year-old woman presents with acute low back pain after lifting a heavy box. She has no red flag symptoms (no trauma, weight loss, fever, neurolog...

Question

A 22-year-old woman presents with acute low back pain after lifting a heavy box. She has no red flag symptoms (no trauma, weight loss, fever, neurological deficits or incontinence). Examination reveals paraspinal tenderness but normal neurology. According to Choosing Wisely Canada, what is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Provide analgesia and advice to remain active; no imaging is required initially

Answer

Order immediate lumbar spine MRI

Answer

Order lumbar spine x-rays

Answer

Refer urgently to neurosurgery

Answer

Order CT scan to exclude disc herniation

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Low back pain imaging