Red flags include, but are not limited to, severe or progressive neurological deficits or when serious underlying conditions such as osteomyelitis are suspected. Imaging of the lower spine before six weeks does not improve outcomes.
Conditions: Lower-Back Pain
Diagnostic Tests: Spinal Imaging, Lumbar Radiography, X-Ray, Computed Tomography, CT Scanning, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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Sources
- Canadian Association of Radiologists. The 2012 CAR diagnostic imaging referral guidelines. 2012 [cited 2014 Feb 15]. Available from:.(PDF)
- Chou R, Fu R, Carrino JA, Deyo RA. Imaging strategies for low-back pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. 2009 Feb 7;373(9662):463-72. (PubMed)
- Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). Excellent care for all - low back pain strategy. 2013 [cited 2014 Feb 15]. (ON.ca)
- Physicians of Ontario Collaborating for Knowledge Exchange and Transfer (POCKET). Red and yellow flag indicator cards. 2005 [cited 2014 Feb 15]. (IWH)
- Williams CM, Maher CG, Hancock MJ, McAuley JH, McLachlan AJ, Britt H, et al. Low back pain and best practice care: A survey of general practice physicians. Arch Intern Med. 2010 Feb 8;170(3):271-7. (PubMed)