canadiEM - By Kathryn Chan - July 23, 2018
"Background
Back pain is one of the most common presentations in the emergency department. The majority of these cases are musculosketal in nature, potentially involving a muscle sprain, ligament strain, or compression of nerve roots, although a specific diagnosis cannot be made is an estimated 85% of patients1. True back pain emergencies, namely cauda equina syndrome, epidural abscess, and malignancy, are rare but require immediate intervention in order to preserve neurologic function. Additionally, there are several emergent pathologies that can present as secondary causes of back pain including aortic dissection, AAA, and PE. Thus, an approach to back pain centers on prompt recognition of true emergencies..."