Lumbo-sacral radiculopathy referral decision-making and primary care management. A case report

Low back pain guideline recommendations can inform a decision in primary care to refer for surgical assessment. The purpose of this report is to present a patient with clinical signs and symptoms of lumbo-sacral radiculopathy who experienced pain of high intensity, severe paresis and depression. The guideline informed decision-making process resulted in a decision not to refer. This case report aims to increase awareness of referral guidelines and to demonstrate radicular pain and weakness, disability and depression outcomes subsequent to primary care management.