[Red flags in the diagnostics of back pain].
BACKGROUND
Low back pain is one of the most commonly occurring symptomatic complaints with a lifetime prevalence of 70 %.


OBJECTIVE
The question of meaningful radiological diagnostics arises in connection with the diagnostics and treatment of low back pain as the common lead symptom.


METHODS
Special clinical warning signs, so-called red flags, which are indicative of a specific cause of low back pain and of the necessity for possible treatment, are presented with special reference to the national treatment guidelines on low back pain.


RESULTS
The presence of clinical warning signs or red flags and in particular the combination of several red flags increases the probability of a specific cause of low back pain and should be examined using radiological imaging. An uncomplicated low back pain in an otherwise healthy patient does not normally necessitate imaging.
Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Neuroradiologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Kirrberger Str. 1, 66424, Homburg/Saar, Deutschland, Heiko.koerner@me.com.
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Körner
D001416:Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D063189:Symptom Assessment / Q000379:methods*