Back pain (red flags)

Traditional Red Flags==History==

Pain >6wks

Age >50<18

Hx of trauma

Sciatica

Neurological complaints (paresthesias, anesthesia, weakness)

Incontinence of bowel or bladder

Night pain

Unrelenting pain despite analgesics

Fever, chills, night sweats

Hx of IVDU

Hx of CA

Physical Exam

Fever

Pt writhing in pain

Point vertebral tenderness

Neurological deficits

Positive SLR

Specific Condition Red Flags==Cancer Related==

Hx of back pain

Weight loss>10kg in 6 months

Age>50<18

No improvement despite therapy

Pain for 4-6 weeks

Night pain

Pain worse at rest

Vertebral tenderness

Infection Related

Persistent fever

History of IVDA

Recent infection

Immunocompromised state

    1. Systemic Corticosteroids

    2. Transplant

    3. Diabetes

    4. HIV

Cauda Equina

Incontinence or retention

Saddle anesthesia

Decreased anal sphincter tone

Bilateral lower extremity weakness or numbness

Neurologic deficit

Herniated Disc

Muscle Weakness

Radiation of pain

Footdrop

Vertebral Fracture

Prolonged use of corticosteroids

History of osteoporosis

Age>70

Mild trauma in age > 50

Significant trauma in any age

Bony tenderness

AAA

Risk factors for PVD

Pulsating mass

Pain at rest or at night

Age > 60 years

See Also

Ortho: Lower Back Pain