Papers of the Week

A systematic survey of the symptoms of back pain in terms of triggering event and onset, nature and the extent of influenceability of the pain (lying or standing, under stress, nocturnal pain, localized percussion tenderness, B- symptoms, etc.), as well as structured clinical examination (segment height, radiance, projection, reflex status, sensitivity and motor function) allows an initial and therefore orienting classification of back pain as non-specific or specific. In the primary care setting many patients can be treated extremely effectively and economically from a cost perspective. In addition to the fastest possible pain relief, it is important to prevent the disease becoming chronic. A wide range of pharmacological treatment can be combined with non-pharmacological measures, such as early on exercises, promoting every day mobility, physiotherapy, manual therapy etc.. 20 % of patients with lower back pain have a determinable cause that needs to be rapidly identified. In addition to laboratory diagnostics, structured morphological imaging is necessary. Causes of specific back pain include: fractures, infections, radiculopathy, tumors, axial spondylarthritis as well as extravertebral causes. In the further cause of treatment, it may be necessary to consult medical specialists in the fields of radiology, orthopedics, neurology, neurosurgery, rheumatology, psychotherapy, psychiatry, among others. Treatment is managed by the primary care provider, who should also receive and re-evaluate all findings during the course of the disease.