Differential diagnosis: a reasonable clinical approach.
The reasonable clinical approach to the patient who has low back pain includes a search for any of the red flags that would prompt consideration of additional diagnostic testing for serious underlying disease. The common patterns of back pain would be explored in an effort to categorize the patient's symptoms and to begin formulation of a diagnostic impression. Re-evaluation of the patient in light of his response (or lack of response) to these measures is an essential component of the clinical assessment. Finally, some consideration must be given to the various biopsychosocial factors that may affect prognosis, particularly in patients who have more chronic pain and disability-related issues.
Swenson
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Section of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA.
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*