The BMJ | 2021
Do not routinely offer imaging for uncomplicated low back pain
Abstract
• Less than 5-10% of all low back pain is due to a specific underlying spinal pathology • The remaining 90-95% has no indication of a serious cause and should be managed with conservative treatments such as advice and reassurance, exercise, physical therapy, chiropractic care, cognitive-behavioural therapy, or pain management • Diagnostic triage based on clinical history and examination can help distinguish between non-specific or more serious low back pain • Imaging may do more harm than good when serious conditions are not suspected and is likely to prolong recovery in patients with non-specific low back pain • Patients’ primary concerns of whether their pain is caused by something serious and what they should do to aid recovery can be addressed by sound education and reassurance, without the need for imaging