Intro to Spine

1. What is the typical clinical course of lower back pain?
2. What symptoms are red flags for myelopathy?
3. What symptoms are red flags for cauda equina syndrome?
4. What symptoms are red flags for tumor?
5. What symptoms are red flags for infection?
6. What is the probability of returning to work based on time out from work?

Answers:
1. 50% resolve in 1-2 weeks, 90% resolve in 6-12 weeks, 85% recur within 1-2 years.
2. Gait ataxia, UMN changes.
3. Bowel/bladder or sexual dysfunction.
4. Night pain, weight loss.
5. Fever or chills.
6. After 6 months, there is a 50% chance of return. After 1 year, there is a 25% chance of return. After 2 years, there is a 0% chance of return.