Acute low back pain doesn’t always require imaging

This is part of an ongoing series of articles focusing on the tools and resources available to help your patients who are FEP members manage their health.

Low back pain is among the most common causes of disability and lost productivity in the U.S. More than 80% of the population will experience low back pain in their lifetime, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Many patients with low back pain receive routine spinal imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. However, imaging isn’t recommended for most patients with acute low back pain in the absence of red flags.

Red flags include:

• Severe or progressive neurologic deficits (loss of ability to move an arm or leg on one side of your body)
• Fever
• Sudden back pain with spinal tenderness
• Trauma
• Loss of bladder control or bowel control

In the absence of red flags, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons recommends a conservative approach, such as:

• Instructing the patient to stay active as tolerated by pain
• Avoiding bed rest
• Doing back exercises and stretches
• Injury prevention
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers

The Michigan Quality Improvement Consortium guideline for Management of Acute Low Back Pain in Adults** provides recommendations for assessment, diagnosis and treatment of acute low back pain in adults.

Share this information with your patients, and if you or a member has questions about Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program^® benefits, call Customer Service at 1-800-482-3600 or go online to fepblue.org.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.