The patient has back pain physician extender algorithm

Sciatica present?

Yes

No

Do's*

1. Obatin a history to fully characterize the nature back pain (onset, sti lml'f;,'fa;k;'ask.

2. Obtain a relevant ROS focusing on systemic diseases, cancer, infection, neurologic symptoms and character of the back pain.

2. Perform a focused physical examination

• sign of local tenderness
• range of motion
• sign of radiculopathy
• spurling sign
• straight leg raise

• While this algorithm provides steps to perform a focused history and physical examination, it is no replacement for a detailed history and physical examination.