Assessment
The flags model, can be used when assessing back pain. It helps identify the dominant factors contributing to perception of pain and disability in sufferers.
- Simple low back pain is common. The history and assessment of such cases indicate recent onset of pain with no evidence of serious pathology.
- Physically demanding work is associated with increased reports of low back symptoms. However, disability due to low back pain depends more on the complex interplay between personal and work-related psychosocial factors, often referred to as yellow flags, than on clinical features or on the physical demands of work .
A minority of cases (< 10%) have serious spinal pathology. In such cases, you should identify the red flags and refer them for urgent clinical assessment.
These pages deal with simple low back pain.
Key messages:
- Red flag cases need to be identified and referred for urgent clinical assessment
- Effective management of yellow flags improves outcome
- The majority of cases are fit for normal activities including work
- Certain industries and tasks increase the likelihood of back pain in the workforce
First stage assessment should include:
- History,
- Examination
- Diagnostic triage
- Action plan development
- Biopsychosocial assessment
It is also important that confidential clinical records should be prepared and stored in line with the Data Protection Act.
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