Red Flags

Red Flags in Back Pain

 

For Cancer

- > 50 years

- history of cancer

- smoker

- pain worse at rest

- night pain

- unexplained weight loss

- anorexia

 

For Infection

- prolonged use of steroids 

- immunosuppression 

- history of IV drug use

- UTI or other infection

- DM

- alcoholic

 

For Fracture

- history of significant trauma

- prolonged use of steroids

- > 70 years