Back and leg pain in older adults. Presentation, diagnosis, and treatment

Back and leg pain in the older population are of diagnostic and therapeutic importance for both primary and tertiary care providers. Careful assessment of the clinical presentation, potential differential diagnosis, and treatment options are essential to optimize outcome results. Well-proven conservative treatment modalities always should be the first regimen after confirmatory diagnostic studies. The available surgical treatment options must be used judiciously for the correct indications in suitable patients. A team approach in taking care of this group of patients is both essential and rewarding.