Figure 1. Initial Evaluation of Low Back Pain

FROM: Annals of Internal Medicine 2007 (Oct 2);   147 (7):   478–491

Do not use this algorithm for back pain associated with major trauma, nonspinal back pain, or back pain due to systemic illness. CRP = C-reactive protein; EMG = electromyography; ESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; NCV = nerve conduction velocity.

Since 7-21-2009