Back Pain Back Pain Treatment and Management

Question 1

What is the recommended first-line treatment for acute non-specific low back pain according to US clinical guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Staying active and non-pharmacological care

Answer

Current guidelines recommend staying active, reassurance, and non-pharmacological interventions (heat, exercise, manual therapy) as first-line for acute non-specific LBP.

Question 2

Which class of medication is recommended as first-line pharmacological treatment for acute back pain when needed?

Accepted Answer

NSAIDs

Answer

NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) are recommended as the first-line pharmacological option for acute LBP due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Question 3

McKenzie Method (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy) for back pain is primarily based on which concept?

Accepted Answer

Directional preference and centralization of pain

Answer

The McKenzie Method identifies a directional preference (usually extension) that centralizes radicular pain, using repeated movements to reduce disc-related symptoms.

Question 4

At which stage of disc herniation recovery is spinal surgery (discectomy) typically indicated?

Accepted Answer

After 4-6 weeks of failed conservative care with progressive neurological deficit

Answer

Surgery for disc herniation is indicated when there is persistent radiculopathy after 4-6 weeks of conservative care, or immediately with progressive neurological deficits.

Question 5

Which type of injection is used to deliver corticosteroids near an irritated spinal nerve root?

Accepted Answer

Epidural steroid injection

Answer

Epidural steroid injections deliver corticosteroids into the epidural space near compressed nerve roots to reduce inflammation and radicular pain.

Back Pain Practice Test

Back Pain Practice Test

Back Pain Back Pain Treatment and Management