Lower back pain

Question 1

Straight leg raise tests for

Answer 1

disc prolapse

Question 2

Red flags of back pain

Answer 2

1. <20 or >50
2. non mechanical- night pain
3. thoracic pain
4. unwell, wt loss, night sweats, fever
5. cauda equine sx

Question 3

Cauda equine sx

Answer 3

control over bowel
control over bladder
saddle anasethesia/parasthesia

Question 4

Why not giving pt x-rays for lower back

Answer 4

high radiation dose
positive findings rare
no change in management
MRI better alternative if persistent sx