Don't do imaging for low back pain within the first six weeks, unless red flags are present. (Red flags include, but are not limited to, severe or progressive neurological deficits or when serious underlying conditions such as osteomyelitis are suspected.)
Low back pain is the fifth most common reason for all physician visits.
Imaging of the lower spine before six weeks does not improve outcomes, but does increase costs.
Sources: Agency for Health Care Research and Policy (AHCPR), Cochrane Reviews
