Chapter 3

Principal Recommendations
Linked to Evidence

	Diagnostic Triage
	Use of X-Rays
	Psychosocial
	Drug Therapy
	Bed Rest
	Advice on Staying Active
	Manipulation
	Back Exercises

These recommendations have been abbreviated for the brief version of the guidelines.

They are expanded here for clarity and to provide an additional base for consideration in developing local guidelines.

Diagnostic Triage

Recommendations	Evidence
Diagnostic Triage Carry out diagnostic triage	Diagnostic triage forms the basis for decisions about referral, investigation and management. Diagnostic triage of acute low back problems should be based on the clinical history and examination: simple backache (non-specific low back pain) nerve root pain possible serious spinal pathology (tumour, infection, inflammatory disorders, cauda equina syndrome, etc.)