Lumbar Spine Pathologies / Red Flags

Martha presents with six weeks of dull, intermittent low back pain. The pain worsens with standing but improves slightly with rest. Examination reveals mild lumbar tenderness and restricted motion. Which line of questioning is MOST important to uncover a potential red flag?

A) “Have you noticed changes in bowel or bladder habits?”

B) “What activities seem to aggravate or relieve your pain?”

C) “Have you experienced an increased heart rate and dizziness upon standing? "

D) “Do you have electric-like shocks extending down part of one leg?

DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODE'S CHEATSHEET:

• www.nptecheatsheet.com/lumbar-flags