A 64-year-old man with chronic low back pain for 3 months after lifting a heavy object attends his family physician. He has no weight loss, fever, his...

Question

A 64-year-old man with chronic low back pain for 3 months after lifting a heavy object attends his family physician. He has no weight loss, fever, history of malignancy, neurological deficits or bowel/bladder dysfunction. According to Choosing Wisely Canada and evidence-based practice, what is the best imaging strategy?

Accepted Answer

No imaging is required at this stage; provide conservative management and reassess

Answer

Immediate lumbar spine MRI

Answer

Immediate lumbar spine CT scan

Answer

Order lumbar spine radiographs today

Answer

Order bone scan to exclude malignancy

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Non-specific low back pain