Question

A 40-year-old office worker presents with 4 weeks of low back pain without radiation below the knee. There are no red-flag symptoms, and examination is normal. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Advise early mobilisation, simple analgesia and self-management, with safety-netting

Answer

Request urgent MRI spine

Answer

Refer urgently to spinal surgery

Answer

Prescribe prolonged bed rest for 2 weeks

Answer

Start high-dose opioids immediately

Practice question

A 40-year-old office worker presents with 4 weeks of low back pain without radiation below the knee. There are no red-flag symptoms, and examination is normal. What is the most appropriate management?