Care Plan          

Algorithm > 4 weeks - Neurologic Limb Symptoms? - Primarily Leg Pain?

Do Anatomical Imaging Studies?

• Computerized Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Myelography

The objective of using these imaging tests for patients with acute LBP is to define medically or surgically remediable anatomic pathological conditions. Therefore, the tests are not done routinely, but are generally used only for patients who present with one of three clinical situations: back-related leg symptoms and clinically specific detectable nerve root compromise with symptoms severe enough to consider surgical intervention; a history of neurogenic claudication and other findings suggesting spinal stenosis with symptoms severe enough to consider surgical intervention; clinical examination findings or other test results suggesting other serious conditions affecting the spine (such as cauda equina syndrome, spinal fracture, infection, tumor or other mass lesions or defects).