Low back pain/Swelling
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| Low back pain/Swelling Classification and external resources | |
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| Herniated lumbar disc. A frequent cause of low back pain. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology |
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Low back pain is the most common cause of disability in the United States
Epidemiology and Demographics
- 90% of the population of the United States will experience low back pain at some point in their lives
- At any given time, up to 20% of the population is experiencing lower back pain, as studies have shown
Diagnosis
- Various imaging techniques and lab studies are necessary if crucial indicators are present (fractures, tumor, infection, cauda equina syndrome)
- No imaging or labs are required if indicators are not apparent (unless pain persists)
Physical Examination
- Range of motion
- Strength
- Sensation
- Reflexes
- Straight leg raise test
- Neurovascular status
MRI and CT
- MRI is the most useful diagnostic tool
Differential Diagnosis
In alphabetical order. [1] [1]
- Abdominal aneurysm
- Abscess
- Cancer
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Extraspinal causes
- Inflammation
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Lumbosacral muscle strain
- Osteomyelitis
- Paget's disease
- Sacral-iliac joint dysfunction
- Secondary gain
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Vertebral fracture
Treatment
- Return to activity as soon as possible (if indicators are absent)
- Patient education
- Physical therapy
Acute Pharmacotherapies
- Acetaminophen
- Opioids
- Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Muscle relaxants
- Epidural corticosteroid injections
Surgery and Device Based Therapy
- Surgery may be indicated
References
Acknowledgements
The content on this page was first contributed by
List of contributors:
Suggested Reading and Key General References
Suggested Links and Web Resources
For Patients
Acknowledgement and Attribution Regarding Sources of Content
Some of the initial content on this page may be incorporated in part from copyleft sources in the public domain including wikis such as Wikipedia and AskDrWiki. Drug information for patients came from the The National Library of Medicine. Infectious disease information may have come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Differential Diagnoses are drawn from clinicians as well as an amalgamation of 3 sources: 1.The Disease Database; 2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:3; 3. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:7 .
