Modern aspects to the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of low back pain

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Low back pain is one of the most common complaints in primary care. This pain is usually nonspecific and musculoskeletal. However, identification and exclusion of specific causes of pain as early as possible are important for specialists since their underestimation can sometimes lead to life-threatening consequences. The authors analyze literature data on the key facts of anamnesis («red flags»), management of patients with low back pain with emphasis on modern concepts and recommendations for diagnostics, identifying the dominant nature and cause of pain, differential diagnosis, and diagnostic significance of neuroimaging. Special attention is paid to existing options for conservative (drug and non-drug therapy) and interventional treatment methods, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Keywords:

low back pain

red flags of back pain

discogenic pain

facet syndrome

sacroiliac joint dysfunction

epidural blocks

facet joint blocks

radiofrequency denervation

Authors:

Kartavykh R.A.

Research Center of Neurology

ORCID: 0000-0003-4543-3451

Yusupova A.R.

Research Center of Neurology

ORCID: 0000-0002-1679-2781

Gushcha A.O.

Research Center of Neurology;
Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education

ORCID: 0000-0003-3451-5750

Received:

08.08.2023

Accepted:

14.09.2023

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