Back Pain

Question 1

What two conditions due to need to exclude in back pain?

Answer 1

• Cauda Equina
• Malignancy

Question 2

What are the red flags for cauda equina?

Answer 2

• Urinary retention or incontinence
• Faecal incontinence
• Saddle anaesthesia (Unable to feel tissue paper when wiping bum)
• Lower limb weakness
• Sexual dysfunction

Question 3

What are the red flags for malignancy in back pain?

Answer 3

• < 20 years
• >50 years
• Nocturnal pain
• Thoracic pain
• Previous malignancy

Question 4

If there is weight loss and back pain, what are the 3 conditions you should think about?

Answer 4

• Tumour
• TB (cough >3 weeks, haemoptysis, night sweats, fatigue, foreign travel)
• HIV (night sweats, fatigue, swollen glands, achy muscles, oral thrush, chronic diarrhoea)