Back pain: mechanical or inflammatory?

Calin, A.; Calin, A

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Back pain: mechanical or inflammatory?

Calin, A.

American Family Physician 20(2): 97-100

1979

ISSN/ISBN: 0002-838X

PMID: 157067

Document Number: 145834

The majority of patients with a recent onset of back pain that developed rapidly over a few hours have nonspecific spinal disease. The disorder is likely to be self-limited. In contrast, patients presenting with an insidious onset of pain that has lasted for several weeks may have ankylosing spondylitis. Since management differs for the two types of disease, the correct diagnosis is mandatory. The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is confirmed radiologically.