Masquerade: medical causes of back pain

Cleve Clin J Med. 2007 Dec;74(12):905-13. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.74.12.905.

Abstract

Back pain has many causes, and 95% of cases are due to benign, self-limiting problems. Most problems are musculoskeletal and are relieved with rest and nonsteroidal medications. However, some serious and life-threatening medical conditions also can present as acute back pain.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Back Pain / diagnosis*
  • Back Pain / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Genital Diseases, Female / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical History Taking
  • Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology
  • Pancreatitis / physiopathology
  • Physical Examination
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / physiopathology
  • Prostatitis / physiopathology
  • Risk Factors
  • Wounds and Injuries / physiopathology