Question

A 40-year-old man presents with 4 weeks of low back pain after lifting heavy boxes. The pain is mechanical, worse with movement and better with rest. There is no history of trauma, weight loss, fever, incontinence or neurological deficit. Examination is normal apart from paraspinal tenderness. What is the most appropriate management regarding imaging?

Accepted Answer

No immediate imaging; manage conservatively and review if red flags develop or pain persists

Answer

Order an urgent MRI of the lumbar spine

Answer

Order a plain X-ray of the lumbar spine

Answer

Order CT of the lumbar spine

Answer

Order bone scan to exclude malignancy

Practice question