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Low Back Pain Emergencies Could Signal Neurological Injuries

By Anton Helman, MD, CCFP(EM), CAC, FCFP | on January 11, 2017 | 2 Comments
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ACEP Now: Vol 36 – No 01 – January 2017

References

  1. Davis DP, Wold RM, Patel RJ, et al. The clinical presentation and impact of diagnostic delays on emergency department patients with spinal epidural abscess. J Emerg Med. 2004;26(3):285-291.
  2. Reihsaus E, Waldbaur H, Seeling W. Spinal epidural abscess: a meta-analysis of 915 patients. Neurosurg Rev. 2000;23(4):175-204.
  3. Davis DP, Salazar A, Chan TC, et al. Prospective evaluation of a clinical decision guideline to diagnose spinal epidural abscess in patients who present to the emergency department with spine pain. J Neurosurg Spine. 2011;14(6):765-770.

Pages: 1 2 3 | Single Page

Topics: ClinicalDiagnosisEmergency DepartmentEmergency MedicineEmergency PhysicianFeverLow Back PainNeurologicalPainPatient CareRiskSpineTrauma & InjuryTreatment

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2 Responses to “Low Back Pain Emergencies Could Signal Neurological Injuries”

  1. March 1, 2020

    Steven Shroyer MD FACEP Reply

    Nice review Dr Hellman. If I could add, more recent literature including the two your referenced by D Davis 2004 and 2011 warn not to wait for back pain and fever, since this will miss the majority of spinal infections. Both of these articles indicate only 24% (2004 JEM) and 7% (2011 JNS)of spinal infections had fever >= 100.4 degrees F. Also these two articles indicate 100% of spinal infections had one or more risk factors–much more sensitive than fever. Thanks for the article. Steve

  2. January 11, 2025

    Chijioke Otikpa Reply

    Wonderful document! But discussing non specific low back pain management while carefully avoiding any mention of physical therapy is WILD!

    So there’s no PT referral plan at any point?

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