Question

A 52-year-old man presents with acute low back pain after lifting a heavy box. He has no neurological deficit, weight loss, fever or history of malignancy. Straight leg raise is normal. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Advise remaining active, offer simple analgesia and provide safety-net advice

Answer

Arrange urgent MRI spine today

Answer

Prescribe bed rest for 2 weeks

Answer

Refer urgently to neurosurgery

Answer

Start long-term opioids and muscle relaxants

Practice question

A 52-year-old man presents with acute low back pain after lifting a heavy box. He has no neurological deficit, weight loss, fever or history of malignancy. Straight leg raise is normal. What is the most appropriate management?