Don’t perform imaging for low back pain within the first six weeks unless red flags are present. note: Red flags include, but are not limited to, severe or progressive neurologic deficits or when serious underlying conditions such as osteomyelitis are suspected.

Rationale and Comments

Imaging of the lumbar spine before six weeks does not improve outcomes, but does increase costs. Low back pain is the fifth most common reason for all physician visits.

Sponsoring Organizations

American Academy of Family Physicians
American College of Physicians

Sources

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research

Disciplines

Orthopedic

References

Agency for Health Care Policy and Research
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews