title: Lumbo-sacral radiculopathy referral decision-making and primary care management. A case report.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, AUT North Shore Campus, 90 Akoranga Drive, Northcote, Auckland 0627, New Zealand. Electronic address: khaswell@aut.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Haswell
authors.affiliation: Gilmour and Associates Physiotherapy, 134 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland 1011, New Zealand.
authors.forename: John Martin
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gilmour
authors.affiliation: Gilmour and Associates Physiotherapy, 134 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland 1011, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Barbara Joyce
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D019468:Disease Management; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
keywords: Decision-making; Low back pain; Practice guidelines; Radiculopathy