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Topic Info
TopicName
Chronic Back Pain
ClinicalTests
MRI (R/O critical conditions)
ImagingStudies
PhysicalExams
Vital signs; neurologic exam (especially L4–S1 nerve roots); back palpation and range of motion (although rarely of diagnostic utility); hip exam (can refer pain to the back); consider rectal exam.
Comment
Location, quality, intensity, radiation, context (moving furniture, bending/twisting, trauma), timing (disturbs sleep); associated symptoms (especially constitutional, incontinence); exacerbating and alleviating factors; history of cancer, recurrent UTIs, diabetes, renal stones, IV drug use, smoking.
WebLink
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0515/p708.html
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