New guidelines issued this week by the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommend diagnostic imaging for patients with low back pain only if they have severe progressive neurologic deficits or signs or symptoms that suggest a serious or specific underlying condition. For all other patients evidence indicates that routine imaging is not associated with clinically meaningful benefits and can lead to harm through radiation exposure and unnecessary tests and invasive procedures.
According to the recommendations, decisions to perform subsequent imaging should be based on the development of new symptoms or changes in current symptoms, with repeated imaging recommended only in patients with new or changed low back symptoms.
Implementing a selective approach to low back imaging would provide better care to patients, improve outcomes, and reduce costs, says ACP.
If YOU are experiencing low back pain and want to be evaluated by a physical therapist, call ECRC. A Physician referral not required in CT [except for worker’s compensation and Medicare].
