Back Pain Back Pain Treatment and Therapy

Question 1

What is the recommended initial treatment for acute non-specific low back pain in US clinical guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Activity modification, NSAIDs, and physical therapy

Answer

US guidelines recommend activity modification, NSAIDs, and early physical therapy as first-line treatment for acute low back pain.

Question 2

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are most effective for which type of back pain?

Accepted Answer

Radiculopathy with nerve root inflammation

Answer

ESIs deliver corticosteroids near inflamed nerve roots to reduce radicular pain and inflammation.

Question 3

Which surgical procedure involves removing a herniated disc fragment to relieve nerve compression?

Accepted Answer

Discectomy (microdiscectomy)

Answer

Discectomy or microdiscectomy involves removing the herniated disc material compressing the nerve root.

Question 4

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for back pain primarily targets which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Maladaptive pain beliefs and fear-avoidance behaviors

Answer

CBT addresses catastrophizing, fear-avoidance, and maladaptive beliefs that amplify pain perception and disability.

Question 5

Which muscle relaxant is commonly prescribed for acute back pain muscle spasms in the US?

Accepted Answer

Cyclobenzaprine

Answer

Cyclobenzaprine is one of the most commonly prescribed muscle relaxants for acute musculoskeletal back pain in the US.

Back Pain Practice Test