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Back pain-clinical assessment
1Swinburne University of Technology Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Victoria. jensen@tpg.com.au
Australian Family Physician
|July 16, 2004
Summary
A straightforward low back pain examination helps general practitioners manage patients effectively. Early identification of psychosocial factors (
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedics
- General Practice
- Pain Management
Background:
- Low back pain represents 5% of general practice consultations.
- While most cases are musculoskeletal, vigilance for 'red flag' conditions is crucial.
- Psychosocial stress factors ('yellow flags') require early identification and management to prevent chronic pain and disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a simple, general-practice-oriented examination of the lower back.
- To introduce the 'look, move, feel' paradigm for clinical orthopaedic examination.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on a practical clinical examination approach.
- It utilizes the 'look, move, feel' methodology for assessing low back pain.
Main Results:
- A thorough physical examination is efficient and reassures patients.
- It serves as a basis for effective management programs in acute low back pain.
- Examination helps confirm pain location and monitor disability.
Conclusions:
- While physical examination is vital for management and reassurance, it cannot provide a definitive anatomico-pathological diagnosis.
- Early intervention for psychosocial factors is key to improving outcomes in low back pain patients.