primary care interpersonal collaborative practice Final

ow back pain diagnostic - Red flag signs and symptoms Systemic ailments, including fever, chills, night sweats, and/or unexplained weight loss (indicates infection or malignancy) History of malignancy or IV drug use (increased risk of osteomyelitis/epidural abscess) Profound or progressive neurologic deficit (look for weakness, spasticity, or hyper/hyporeflexia) - prompt referral to a spinal surgeon Sphincter disturbance (bladder or bowel) - sign of sacral root encroachment from significant intraspinal compression Trauma/high-speed injury Pain that is refractory to medication/injections; thoracic pain; nonmechanical pain or pain at night Age <20 or >50 years Prolonged corticosteroid drugs or other immunosuppressive therapies Presence of contusion or abrasions over the spine Failure to improve after 1 month low back pain physical exam - Assess