Low back pain

This comprehensive course on low back pain provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to assess, diagnose, and manage this common condition, focusing on a holistic, multidisciplinary approach. The five units cover a range of topics essential for effectively treating low back pain in clinical practice.

Unit 1: Epidemiology, Definitions, Anatomy, and Physiology
This unit introduces participants to the epidemiology and prevalence of low back pain, highlighting its significant impact on individuals and healthcare systems. It explains the anatomy of the lumbar spine and the physiological mechanisms behind low back pain. The unit also covers how to take a detailed patient history and the importance of differentiating between referred pain and spinal-origin pain​.

Unit 2: Red Flags and Investigations
In this unit, participants learn about the critical red flags that indicate serious underlying conditions, such as cauda equina syndrome, spinal infections, or malignancies. The unit provides guidance on performing a thorough clinical examination and ordering relevant lab tests when necessary, ensuring that urgent cases are promptly identified and treated​.

Unit 3: Imaging
This unit focuses on the appropriate use of imaging in diagnosing low back pain. Participants will learn when to use X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, depending on the patient's symptoms and the presence of red flags. The unit emphasizes the risks associated with unnecessary imaging and explains the diagnostic value of different imaging modalities​.

Unit 4: Management
This unit covers the management of non-specific low back pain, which accounts for the majority of cases. Participants will learn to implement conservative treatment approaches, including patient education, reassurance, and exercise programs. The unit also discusses the role of pharmacological treatments, such as NSAIDs, opioids, and steroid injections, along with non-pharmacological options like physiotherapy.

Unit 5: Role of Surgery
This unit explores the limited role of surgery in treating low back pain, discussing when surgical interventions, such as discectomy or spinal fusion, are appropriate. It also covers the management of patients who experience persistent pain after surgery and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in these cases​.

This course equips practitioners with the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain, improving patient outcomes through a patient-centered, evidence-based approach.