What can the history and physical examination tell us about low back pain?
Article Abstract:
A careful history and physical examination can determine the cause of pain, whether surgery will be required to relieve it and whether the patient has any psychological problems that may interfere with treatment. Low back pain is the second most common reason for patient office visits. Though 70% of adults have suffered from low back pain, it seldom lasts more than two weeks. Up to 85% of patients with low back pain cannot be precisely diagnosed because symptoms, physiological changes and imaging results do not correlate. An X-ray is no longer recommended for every patient because it does not always contribute to the diagnosis, and exposes the patient to gonadal irradiation. It is recommended only if there is evidence of a neurologic disorder, in patients over age 50 or under age 20, and in patients with fever, trauma or signs of cancer.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Rapid magnetic resonance imaging vs radiographs for patients with low back pain: a randomized controlled trial
Article Abstract:
Rapid MRI scans may be less cost-effective than a traditional X-ray for detecting the cause of low back pain, according to a study of 380 patients. Although both doctors and patients preferred the MRI scan over an X-ray, it was more expensive and did not lead to better outcomes. In fact, patients who had the MRI scan had more back operations than those who had an X-ray.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2003
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Expenditures and health status among adults with back and neck problems
Article Abstract:
A study estimates various expenditures related to back and neck problems among adults in the U.S. between 1997 and 2005 and explores associated trends in health status. Self-reported spine expenditures increased significantly over the given period without corresponding improvement in self-assessed health status.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2008
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