Low Back Pain red flags

An AAA often grows slowly

asymptomatic

Signs and symptoms that your AAA has ruptured may include:

*Sudden, intense and persistent abdominal or back pain, which can be described as a tearing sensation* Pain that radiates to your back or legs Sweatiness Clamminess Dizziness Nausea Vomiting Low blood pressure Fast pulse

As an abdominal aortic aneurysm enlarges, some people may notice

--> Back pain A pulsating feeling near the navel Deep, constant pain in your abdomen or on the side of your abdomen

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm red flags with Low Back Pain

Abdominal pulsating mass Atherosclerotic vascular disease Pain at rest or nocturnal pain Age greater than 60 years

Cancer Related Red Flags with Low Back Pain

History of cancer Unexplained weight loss >10 kg (22lbs) within 6 months Age over 50 years or under 18 years old Failure to improve with therapy Pain persists for more than 4 to 6 weeks Night pain or pain at rest

Significant Herniated nucleus pulposus

Major Muscle Weakness (strength 3 of 5 or less) Foot drop

Infection Related Red Flags with Low Back Pain

Persistent fever (Temperature over 100.4 F) Poor Test Sensitivity for Spinal Infection History of intravenous Drug Abuse Severe Pain Lumbar Spine surgery within the last year Recent bacterial infection Urinary Tract Infection or Pyelonephritis Cellulitis Pneumonia Wound (e.g. Decubitus Ulcer) in spine region Immunocompromised states Systemic Corticosteroids Organ transplant Diabetes Mellitus Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Rest Pain

Vertebral Fracture related red flags with Low Back Pain

Prolonged use of Corticosteroids Age greater than 70 years History of Osteoporosis Mild Trauma over age 50 years (or with Osteoporosis) Recent significant Trauma at any age Ejection from motor vehicle Fall from substantial height

Cauda Equina Syndrome Related Red Flags with Back Pain

Urinary Incontinence or *retention* * Saddle anesthesia* Anal sphincter tone decreased or Fecal Incontinence Bilateral lower extremity weakness or numbness Progressive neurologic deficit Major motor weakness Major sensory deficit

General (weak Test Specificity)

Vertebral tenderness Limited spine range of motion