Preventing Chronic Disability from Low Back Pain - Welfare.ie

APPENDIX AAPPENDIX A1: DIAGNOSTIC TRIAGELBP is very common, affecting 60-80% of the population at some stage.Although rarely serious, it can, however, be the presenting symptom of seriousspinal disease.After excluding non-spinal causes of LBP the next priority is, therefore, todistinguish between non-serious and potentially serious causes of LBP.This distinction is essential to determine the management of LBP.Fundamental to this distinction is the use of Diagnostic Triage.This diagnostic tool is internationally recognised and recommended.It is based on detailed history taking and physical examination and designedto differentiate between LBP caused by possible serious spinal pathology,nerve root pain (sciatica) caused usually by disc prolapse (slipped disc)and Simple LBP.Simple LBP is a term used to describe LBP which is not attributable to possibleserious spinal pathology or nerve root pain.15