Red Flags for Low Back Pain
Download Newsletter Vol. 1 No. 1 (2013)
Low Back pain is a very common diagnosis. It is the second most common reason to seek medical attention, and accounts for 15% of all sick leave from work. In many instances, back pain will resolve without treatment. However, there are ‘Red Flags’ that should raise suspicion and concern.
- Cancer
- Age greater than 50
- History of previous cancer
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night-time pain
- History of IV Drug Use
- Diabetes
- Systemic Unwellness
- Fever/chills
- Known immune suppression
- Urinary Retention
- Fecal Incontinence
- Pain not improved with rest
- Fracture
- History of trauma
- Prolonged us of steroids
- Age >70
- Motor weakness
- Thoracic pain (very uncommon)
- Failure to improve after ~6 weeks
If you would like us to see a patient, or even if you have questions about how to proceed with a workup, don’t hesitate to call Sierra Neurosurgery Group at (775)323-2080.