Question

A 47-year-old man presents to primary care with low back pain for 3 weeks after lifting at work. He has no fever, weight loss, neurological deficits or bowel or bladder dysfunction. What is the most appropriate management regarding imaging?

Accepted Answer

Do not order imaging and manage conservatively

Answer

Order immediate lumbar spine X-ray

Answer

Order immediate MRI of the lumbar spine

Answer

Order CT scan of the lumbar spine

Answer

Order bone scan to rule out malignancy

Practice question

A 47-year-old man presents to primary care with low back pain for 3 weeks after lifting at work. He has no fever, weight loss, neurological deficits or bowel or bladder dysfunction. What is the most appropriate management regarding imaging?