|
Initial Assessment Methods
(Adapted from AHCPR 1994)
X-Rays
Psychosocial Factors
Risk factors for chronicity
Management
Information to Patients
|
Both AHCPR and CSAG considered diagnostic triage to be fundamental
to clinical management and the organisation of services for back
pain. Although there is general agreement on the importance and
basic principles of differential diagnosis, there is little
empirical evidence on triage in primary care. Individual clinical
features may have low sensitivity and specificity.
The statements presented are originally from AHCPR and modified
by CSAG.
|
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.)
Waddell 1982, Deyo et al 1992, van den
Hoogen et al 1995
|
|
