back pain

DC Inst – Back Pain

DC

You were evaluated in the Emergency Department today for your back pain. Your evaluation did not show signs of medical conditions requiring emergent intervention at this time.

We recommend you take 600mg ibuprofen every 6 hours or tylenol 650mg every 6 hours as needed for pain. If needed, you can alternate these medications so that you take one medication every 3 hours. For instance, at noon take ibuprofen, then at 3pm take tylenol, then at 6pm take ibuprofen.

***Please take your prescribed norco as directed as necessary for severe pain. Do not drive or take medications containing tylenol while taking norco.

Please schedule an appointment for follow-up with your primary care physician this week for further evaluation of your symptoms.

Return to the Emergency Department if you experience worsening back pain, difficulty walking, fevers, numbness, tingling, incontinence, or any other concerning symptoms.

Thank you for choosing us for your care.

Back Pain – Low Risk

MDM

This patient presents with back pain most consistent with ***. Differential diagnoses includes lumbago versus musculoskeletal spasm / strain versus sciatica.*** No back pain red flags on history or physical. Presentation not consistent with malignancy (lack of history of malignancy, lack of B symptoms), fracture (no trauma, no bony tenderness to palpation), cauda equina (no bowel or urinary incontinence/retention, no saddle anesthesia, no distal weakness), AAA, viscus perforation , pulmonary embolism, renal colic, pyelonephritis (afebrile, no CVAT, no urinary symptoms). Given the clinical picture, no indication for imaging at this time.***

Plan: pain control, supportive care, reassess