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A detailed history of a 26-year-old hispanic female presenting with acute low back pain, including her past medical and surgical history, physical examination findings, and evidence-based assessment and plan. The differentiation between acute nonspecific low back pain and low back pain with radiculopathy, and offers guidelines for treatment for both conditions.
Typology: Exams
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SOAP #4 2
Patient Demographics:
Name: T.H.
Age/race/sex: 26 Hispanic Female
Clinical site: Primary Care clinic; Presents for sick visit.
Chief Complaints : “My lower back has been hurting for about 2 weeks now”.
History of Present Illness :
Mrs. H is a 26 y/o Hispanic female with a six year history of depression-controlled on Sertraline,
who presents to the clinic today complaining of spontaneous occurring acute low back pain to
lumber region that started about 2 weeks ago after wearing heels to a party. Reports it has been
very difficult to dress lower body and to bend. She reports the pain is constant but has
intermittent intensities of aching and soreness throughout the day. The pain is localized to the
lumber area, described as aching and soreness with no radiation, rated a 5/10 in office today with
3/10 being the lowest amount of pain experienced and 8/10 being the worst pain she has
experienced. Reports the pain is worse in the mornings when getting out of bed after lying down
all night. She hasn’t tried any pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapies. She reports no
heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, current injuries, nor feelings of anxiety or
depression. However, about 5 years ago she was riding her bike, went down a ramp and flipped head first over
the handle bars of the bike. At which time she experienced this same low back pain, went to the ER and had
X-rays that showed some inflammation and swelling. She was then prescribed a muscle relaxant, Ibuprofen,
and physical therapy for 8 weeks, which helped tremendously. At today’s visit, she hopes to find out where
the pain is coming from and what she can do to prevent it from returning.
Past Medical History:
back pain-active-diagnosed about 5 years ago after previous back inju
Past Surgical History:
Allergies:
NKA to food, dust, mold, environment, or medications.
Medications:
Sertraline 150 mg by mouth daily for depression
Health Maintenance:
Personal & Social History:
job and has a dependable car.
time to get the amount of exercise she needs.
diet coke; S-about 1-2 cups of cheese-it crackers and a diet coke; D- Meatloaf,
veggies, mashed potatoes from Boston Market, and a bottled water.
Family History:
Grandparents
Paternal: Paternal grandfather 81, HTN, DM; Paternal grandmother 76 history of DM
and MI.
Maternal: Maternal grandfather died at 82 from MI, maternal grandmother 79,
history of diabetes and arthritis.
Skin Denies dry skin and itching. Denies abnormal lesions or new
nevi/moles
Head Previous head injury, denies any masses, lesions and headache Eyes Denies
any discharge, itchy, blurred vision, vision loss
or vision changes, eye pain or injection.
Ears Denies any itching, fullness, vertigo, ear pain or drainage,
hearing loss or changes in quality of hearing.
Nose/Sinuses Denies epistaxis, PND, maxillary or frontal sinus pain, or changes in
smell
Mouth/Throat Denies sore throat and dysphagia. Denies gum disease, has
all original teeth, last dental exam was in July of this year, sees the
dentist annually.
Neck/Lymph Nodes Denies swollen /painful lymph nodes, denies any neck pain or stiffness.
Breasts Denies masses, pain, or nipple discharge. Does perform regular
Thorax/Respirator Denies any SOB, DOE, or wheezing. y
CVS Denies CP, palpitat
ons, denies peripheral edema, Orthopnea GI/Abdomen Denies
dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, hematemesis, hematochezia, or
abdominal pain. No recent c
is consistent with her regula
Musculoskeletal
Neurologic
anges in bowel habits. Last bowel movement was this morning, whic h
bowel habits and was normal.
Denies any pain on urination, frequency, urgency, or vaginal
discharge.
See HPI.
Denies memory loss, numbness, tingling, or burning pains or
weakness.
Endocrine Denies known glucose abnormalities, heat or cold intolerance Psychiatric
Reports a history of depress on but denies any anxiety.
Physical Examination:
OBJECTIVE
sitting on the examination table in moderate distress as evidenced
by arms tensed on elbows as she’s guarding pain. Well
groomed, well developed, AAOx
Skin Warm, moist, no rashes or suspicious moles, +turgor Head/Scalp ATNC, thick black
hair, no dandruff, no lesions/masses.
Eyes External examination without ptosis, strabismus or exophthalmos. Conjunctiva pink.
Rest of exam deferred.
Ears Auricles symmetrical, no lesions or tophi; Rest of exam deferred.
Nose Bilateral nasal turbinates’ pink, moist. Rest of exam deferred.
Sinuses Deferred
Mouth Lips pink, moist mucous membrane, tongue protrudes in midline.
Pharynx/Throat Deferred.
Neck/Lymph nodes Trachea midline with full AROM without pain.
CVS RRR, normal S1, S2, no murmurs, rubs, or extra systole, JVD
Vital Signs/HT/WT T: 98.2F, P: 72 readily palpable, RR: 16, BP 110/64 on right, 110/
on the left SaO2 on RA: 100% HT: 5’8”, WT: 128lbs (toned-
physique, stable with no gains or losses within the last 6 months),
BMI: 19.46, normal for ht. and wt.
General 26 y/o Hispanic female, pleasant appears her stated age
3cm at 30 degrees, no carotid bruits, no cyanosis or vascular lesions. No chest wall
deformity. PMI at 5
th
ICM MCL. Nontender without heaves or thrill. Auscultation of the
abdomen without bruit. Palpation without pulsatile masses
Lungs/Thorax Chest sym
throughout anterior and po
present. Resonance heard o
breath sounds auscultated t
etrical without deformity, respirations even and unlabored
terior lung fields. Palpation without tenderness. Tactile fremitus
n percussion throughout anterior and posterior lung fields. Vesicular
hroughout anterior and posterior peripheral lung fields.
Breasts Deferred
Abdomen Deferred
GU Deferred
Musculoskeletal Mandible moves in midline TMJ palpation without clicks or
tenderness. Neck and cervical spine have no noted deformities or
signs of inflammation. Curvature of cervical, thoracic and lumbar
spine within normal limits. Bony features of shoulders and hips are
of equal height bilaterally and nontender. Posture is slumped and
gait is smooth but guarded. Palpation of spinous processes of C7-L
are palpable, midline, and tender to deep palpation right below L5.
Discomfort noted with lying flat on exam table. Patient can bend to
touch toes but experiences discomfort at about 90 degrees from
the upright position. Although patient can actively perform such
maneuvers as bending her knees to her chest while lying flat, flex,
extend, and rotate the spine there is some mild discomfort and
pain noted throughout the maneuvers.
Extremities/Pulses No edema, erythema or cyanosis to upper or lower extremities.
Pulses 2/4 to bilateral femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis
pedis pulses.
Neurologic AA O X3. Slumped posture while sitting and walking. Gait steady
and intact. Sensation intact to light, deep, and sharp touch. gait and
balance intact. CN II- XII intact. Memory and
cognition intact for present d past medical history. Psych Appropriate mood and
affect
Evidence Based Assessment/Plan
Clinical Decision Making: 26 y/o Hispanic female presents to the primary care
clinic with a two week history of constant low back pain worse when ambulating and
dressing. The pain is non-radiating and has intermittent intensities of aching and soreness
consistent with acute non-specific low back pain. She has experienced these symptoms
before after a biking accident 5 years ago. Given Mrs. H’s presenting signs and symptoms
there is a need to differentiate between the diagnosis of acute nonspecific low back pain and
low back pain with radiculopathy. Mrs. H is an otherwise healthy young female with a
history of depression controlled on antidepressant. She has no other co-morbidities or health
issues.
CHARACTERISTICS pain might or might not be associated Some physical exam findings of low
OF with significant pathology on magnetic back pain may include the following;
DIFFERENTIA resonance imaging (MRI) and is
Non-specific Acute AND SYMPTOMS Superficial tenderness over the lumbar
Low Back Pain region to light touch Nonanatomic
Nonspecific or
nonradicular low back Pain areas: in the low back, muscles and tenderness bones, hip,
or leg. pain is not associated
with neurologic Sensory: leg numbness or pins and Exacerbation of pain by applying a few symptoms or signs. In
needles. pounds of pressure with the hands to
general, the pain is the top of the head localized to the spine or Back joint dysfunction or
muscle spasms.
paraspinal regions (or Exacerbation of pain by simulated
both) and does not Slumped gait due to pain on standing rotation or flexion of the spine radiate into the
leg. In upright. www.aafp.org
general, nonspecific low PHYSICAL EXAM FINDINGS Ability to sit up straight from a supine
back pain is not position, but intolerance of the straight- associated with spinal leg-raising test nerve root
compression.
Nonspecific low back Nonanatomic distribution of sensory
Differential Diagnosis:
often a result of simple changes soft tissue disorders such as strain, but it
can also be caused by http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.co serious
medical m disorders arising in the bony spine, parameningeal, or
retroperitoneal regions.
Risk factors:
Smoking, obesity, older age, female gender, physically strenuous work,
sedentary work, a stressful job, job dissatisfaction and psychological
factors such as anxiety or depression.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is based on physical exam findings. Routine spine radiographs are
of limited value because they visualize only bony structures.
Guidelines from the
U.S. Agency for Health Care Policy and
Research (AHCPR) indicated value of routine spine radiographs for
acute low back pain in the following settings: acute major trauma,
minor trauma associated with risk of osteoporosis, risk of spinal
infection, pain that does not respond to rest or recumbency,
and history of cancer,
fever, or unexplained
weight loss. They may
also be of value in
assessing spinal
alignment and
rheumatologic
disorders of bone. The
American Academy of
back pain accompanied by spinal nerve root damage is usually associated with with
limited or no treatment, neurologic signs or symptoms and is described below.
described as radiculopathy. There is
usually pathologic evidence of spinal Sciatica — Sciatica refers to the most nerve
root compression by disk or arthritic common symptom of radiculopathy. It spur,
but other intraspinal pathologies may is a pain that occurs when one of the be
present and are often apparent on an five spinal nerve roots, which are
MRI scan of the lumbosacral spine. branches of the sciatic nerve, is
irritated, causing a sharp or burning
Neurology guideline
Risk factors: pain that extends down the back or side
recommends
nonsurgical therapy
before CT and MRI are
used in patients with
uncomplicated acute
low back pain of less
than 7 weeks’ duration.
www.aafp.org
Acute lumbosacral
radiculopathy Low
neurologic
and
Traumatic injury Lumbar sprain or strain of the thigh, usually to the foot or ankle.
Postural strain sitting, standing or walking You may also feel numbness or >2hrs
per day Radiculopathy — A tingling. Occasionally, the sciatica may common
feature of low back pain is also be associated with muscle radiculopathy, which occurs
when a weakness in the leg or the foot. If a disc nerve root is irritated by a
protruding disc is herniated, sciatic pain often increases or arthritis of the spine.
Radiculopathies with coughing, sneezing, or bearing usually cause radiating pain,
numbness, down.
tingling, or muscle weakness in the
specific areas related to the affected nerve A comprehensive physical examination root,
usually the lower leg. Most people of a patient with acute LBP should with these
conditions improve include an in-depth evaluation of the
musculoskeletal systems.
The neurologic
examination should
always include an
evaluation of sensation,
strength, and reflexes in
the lower extremities.
This portion of the
examination allows the
examiner to detect
sensory or motor deficits
that may be consistent
with an associated
radiculopathy or cauda
equina syndrome.
Often, an assessment of
the L5 reflex (medial
hamstrings) is helpful.
Also, in L
radiculopathy,the
presence of weakness in
foot investors should
raise theadditional
suspicion of a peroneal
nerve palsy.
When differentiating
between an L
radiculopathy versus a
femoral neuropathy,
weakness in the hip
adductors in addition to
the quadriceps group
would indicate an
frequent moving or lifting
25 lbs. strength <50%
depression obesity poor
health prior LBP poor
back endurance
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
www.aafp.org
Diagnosis:
After the initial
examination, the
diagnosis of lumbar
radiculopathy can be
supported by
electrodiagnosis, MRI,
CT scans, and/or
contrast myelography.
Treatment of lumbar
radiculopathy will vary
depending on the actual
cause of the
radiculopathy. These
treatments can include
the use of back supports,
medication, physical
therapy, steroid injection
in the spine, and even
surgery.
http://www.aanem.org
Neurogenic
claudication
— Neurogenic
claudication is a type of
pain that can occur when
the spinal cord is
compressed due to
narrowing of the spinal
canal from arthritis or
other causes. The pain
runs down the back to
the buttocks, thighs, and
lower legs, often
involving both sides of
the body. This may
cause limping and
weakness in the legs.
Pain usually gets worse
when extending the
lower spine (e.g., when
standing or walking),
and gets better when
flexing the spine by
sitting, stooping, or
leaning forward.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/low -
back-pain-in-adults
The onset of symptoms in patients with
lumbosacral radiculopathy is often sudden
and includes LBP. Some patients state the
preexisting back pain disappears when the
leg pain begins.
Sitting, coughing, or sneezing may
exacerbate the pain, which travels from
the buttock down to the posterior or
posterolateral leg to the ankle or foot.
Radiculopathy in roots L1-L3 refers pain
to the anterior aspect of the thigh and
typically does not radiate below the knee,
but these levels are affected in only 5% of
all disc herniations.
When obtaining a patient's history, be
alert for any red flags (i.e., indicators of
medical conditions that usually do not
resolve on their own without
management). Such red flags may imply a
more complicated condition that requires
further workup (e.g., tumor, infection).
The presence of fever, weight loss, or
chills requires a L3 radiculopathy. In an
isolated femoral neuropathy, only the
quadriceps group would show weakness.
Provocative maneuvers, such as the
straight-leg raising test or the slump test,
may provide evidence of increased dural
tension, indicating underlying nerve root
pathology.
Attempts at pain centralization through
postural changes (i.e., lumbar extension)
may suggest a discogenic etiology for
pain and may also assist in determining
the success of future treatment strategies.
The musculoskeletal evaluation should
include an assessment of the lower
extremity joints, as pain referral patterns
may be confused with focal peripheral
involvement. For example, a patient with
anterior thigh and knee pain may actually
have a degenerative hip condition rather
than an upper lumbar radiculopathy. By
assessing lower extremity flexibility,
hip rotation, muscular balance, and
ligamentous stability, the evaluating
physician might be alerted to the
patient's predisposition toward an acute
LBP episode.
https://emedicine.medscape.com
No POC labs to review
Diagnosis 1-Guidelines for Treatment for Non-Specific Acute Low Back Pain (most likely dx):
There is general agreement that patients with acute nonspecific spine pain or nonlocalizable
lumbosacral radiculopathy (without neurologic signs or significant neurologic symptoms)
require only conservative medical management. Patients should abstain from heavy lifting or
other activities that aggravate the pain. Bed rest is not helpful and has been shown to delay
recovery. Bed rest may be recommended for the first few days for patients with severe pain with
movement. Recommended medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as
ibuprofen or aspirin. If there are complaints of muscle spasm, muscle relaxants such as
cyclobenzaprine may be used in the acute phase of pain. Narcotic analgesia should be avoided,
in general, but it can be prescribed in cases of severe acute pain. A study by Cherkin and
coworkers compared standard physical therapy maneuvers and chiropractic spinal manipulation
for the treatment of acute low back pain and found that both provide small short- term benefits
and improve patient satisfaction.
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com
Nonpharmacologic treatment, including superficial heat, massage, acupuncture, or spinal
manipulation, should be used initially for most patients with acute or sub-acute low back pain, as
they will improve over time regardless of treatment. When pharmacologic treatment is desired,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or skeletal muscle relaxants should be used.
Avoid imaging in cases of uncomplicated low back pain (unless there are specific clinical
indications). Medications prescribed today;
muscle spasms for 2 weeks. www.aafp.org
Diagnostic test needed:
No further diagnostic test needed at this time. Diagnosis was based on clinical presentation,
history, and physical exam.
Referrals/Consults:
Referral for physical therapy to evaluate and treat for low back pain and spasms.
Patient Education :
Remaining active — many people are afraid that they will hurt their backs further or delay
recovery by remaining active. However, remaining active is one of the best things you can do for
your back. In fact, prolonged bed rest is not recommended. Studies have shown that people with
low back pain recover faster when they remain active. Movement helps to relieve muscle spasms
and prevents loss of muscle strength. Although high-impact activities should be avoided, it is
fine to continue doing regular day-to-day activities and light exercises, such as walking. If
certain activities cause the back to hurt too much, it is fine to stop that activity and try another. If
back pain is severe, bedrest may be necessary for a short period of time, generally no more than
one day. When in bed, the most comfortable position may be to lie on the back with a pillow
behind the knees and the head and shoulders elevated, or to lie on the side with the upper knee
bent and a pillow between the knees.
Heat — using a heating pad can help with low back pain during the first few weeks. It is not
clear if cold packs help as well.
Work — most experts recommend that people with low back pain continue to work so long as it
is possible to avoid prolonged standing or sitting, heavy lifting, and twisting. Some people need
to stay home from work if their occupation does not allow them to sit or stand comfortably.
While standing at work, stepping on a block of wood with one foot (and periodically alternating
the foot on the block) may be helpful.
Pain medications — Take medications on a regular basis for two weeks for it to be effective,
rather than using the medication only when the pain becomes unbearable. If needed, take muscle
relaxant before bedtime. Do not take this medication while driving or operating machinery.
Exercise — a program of exercises can help to increase back flexibility and strengthen the
muscles that support the back. Although starting back exercises or stretching immediately after a
new episode of low back pain might temporarily increase the pain, the exercise may reduce the
total duration of pain and prevent recurrent episodes. Recommended activities include those that
involve strengthening and stretching, such as walking, swimming, use of a stationary bicycle,
and low-impact aerobics. Avoid activities that involve twisting, bending, are high- impact, or
make the back hurt more. Some specific exercises may help strengthen the muscles of the lower
back. People with frequent episodes of low back pain should continue these exercises
indefinitely to prevent new episodes.
Mattress choice – The benefit of a firm mattress in preventing or treating low back pain has not
been proven. In one study, medium-firm mattresses were more likely to improve chronic back
pain compared with firm mattresses https://www.uptodate.com/contents/low-back-pain-in-
adults
Diagnosis 2-Guidelines for Treatment for Acute Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: The initial
treatment of the patient with lumbosacral radiculopathy presenting with sensory symptoms and
pain without significant neurologic deficits is not different from the approach for the patient with
uncomplicated low back pain. However, such patients require observation for possible
worsening of their neurologic status. For patients with acute lumbosacral radiculopathy, the
objectives of treatment are to ameliorate pain (symptomatic treatment) and to address the
specific underlying process (mechanismspecific treatment) if necessary
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com
Diagnostic test needed:
If signs and symptoms of radiculopathy, sciatica, or neurogenic claudication exists the patient
may require one or more of test including Spinal Radiography, CT scan, MRI, contrast
myelography, or electrodiagnosis. http://www.aanem.org
Referrals/Consults:
Referral to an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon is recommended under the following
circumstances:
● Increasing neurologic problems (measurable weakness)
● Loss of sensation (e.g., numbness) or bladder and bowel symptoms ●Failure to
improve after four to six weeks of nonsurgical management, with persistent and
severe sciatica and evidence of nerve root involvement
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/low- back-pain-in-adults
Patient Education :
Most people with radiculopathy improve with conservative treatment such as medication and
PT. Surgery is recommended for some people with radiculopathy. They, too, usually improve
after a recovery period. Following treatment, most people are able to work and take part in other
daily activities. Patient education would include education to prevent acute non-specific low
back pain in addition to reducing chances of developing radiculopathy by maintaining good
posture and a healthy weight. Using safe techniques when lifting heavy objects to prevent
injuries to your back. Remembering to lift with your knees. That means you should bend your
knees, not your back. Also asking for help when moving heavy or bulky objects and when doing
repetitive tasks, take frequent breaks. https://www.healthline.com
Prevention :
There are a number of ways to prevent low back pain from returning. Perhaps the most
important are exercise and staying active. Regular exercise that improves cardiovascular fitness
can be combined with specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of the hips and torso. The
abdominal muscles are particularly important in supporting the lower back and preventing back
pain. It is also important to avoid activities that involve repetitive bending or twisting and high-
impact activities that increase stress in the spine.
Bend and lift correctly — People with low back pain should learn the right way to bend and
lift. As an example, lifting should always be done with the knees bent and the abdominal
muscles tightened to avoid straining the weaker muscles in the lower back (p
Take a break — People who sit or stand for long periods should change positions often and use
a chair with appropriate support for the back. An office chair should be readjusted several times
throughout the day to avoid sitting in the same position. Taking brief but frequent breaks to walk
around will also prevent pain due to prolonged sitting or standing. People who stand in place for
long periods can try placing a block of wood on the floor, stepping up and down every few
minutes.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/low-back-pain-in-adults
Healthcare Maintenance/Recommendations :
Annual Influenza vaccine education provided-Received in October of 2017 Depression
screen-positive- Recommended to continue Sertraline and visits to Psychologists as
scheduled.
STI and STD education
Sex behavioral
counseling
Reinforced recommendations for MSBE
Cervical Cancer screen and HPV education-Recommended continuing routine Pap testing every
3 years.
Diet and exercise education- Recommended to exercise at least 3 days/week; with exercises to
help strengthen the core muscles. Continue eating a healthy diet and stay hydrated during
workouts.
Recommended using a back brace while at work to help with support with lifting and to call for
lifting help instead of trying lift alone.
The USPSTF also recommends high blood pressure, depression, and alcohol misuse screening in
this age group. Screening for HIV, Syphilis, HBV, HCV, and STI screening and behavioral
counseling is also recommended in all sexually active females in this age group. Although, Mrs.
H has a toned physique I think it’s important to counsel her on the importance of daily exercise
and physical activity to help reduce pain and on healthful diet practices such as the DASH diet,
which is high in grains, fruits, vegetables, and low in fat to help prevent future co-morbidities
especially since her family history is so significant for such severe co-morbidities and
mortalities.
www.uspstf.org
Follow-up: Follow up in 2 weeks for evaluation of pain management or as needed if pain
becomes worse or changes in presentation.
References
American Academy of Family Physicians. (2017). Diagnosis and Treatment of Low
Back Pain; Clinical Practice Guidelines. Retrieved from:
http://www.aafp.org/patientcare/clinical- recommendations/all/back-pain.html
American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine. (2017).
Lumbar Radiculopathy. Retrieved from: http:www.aanem.org/Patients/Disorders/Lumbar-
Radiculopathy
Cleveland Clinic Center for Center for Continuing Education. Published by; Levin,
Kerry. M.D. (2010). Low Back Pain. Retrieved from:
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/neurology/lowback-
pain/#top
Healthline. (2017). Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve). Retrieved from:
https://www.healthline.com/health/radiculopathy#overview1
Scientific Electronic Library Online by Ladeira, Carlos (2011). Evidence based
practice guidelines for management of low back pain: physical therapy implications. Retrieved
from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rbfis/v15n3/04.pdf
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2017). Grade A and B
Recommendations. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Search
UpToDate. (2017). Patient Education. Low Back Pain in Adults (Beyond the
Basics). Retrieved from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/low-back-pain-
inadultsbeyond-the- basics