Backache

Dr Chris Ellis

Abstract


A GP with an average list size sees about 50 acute backs per year.

The natural history of those is :
. 80 % recover in 3-4 weeks.
. 80 % of cases have no specific diagnosis made!
. However, nearly 50 % of patients suffer a recurrence within the
following 4 years.

The initial contacts or first consultation is often vital to the outcome of backache. A few minutes spent on the history and clinical examination may prevent years of coping with the consequences of ill-considered surgery.

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SA Fam Pract | ISSN: 1726-426X


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