Low back pain: Part II: Differential diagnoses and patient evaluation

In this chapter, the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of patients with low back pain were discussed. Back pain is a very common disorder; it remains as one of the most common complaints of patients seeking medical care. Although the differential diagnosis seems extensive, mechanical back pain may account for as much as 98% of low back pain. Unfortunately, in most cases a precise diagnosis cannot be made. Using this and the preceding chapter as a background, we will discuss non-surgical and surgical treatment approaches in the upcoming Part III of this series.