A booklet to help you know whether you need imaging
Medical imaging is commonly used to help manage low back pain even though the underlying cause of back pain cannot usually be seen in imaging.
Low back pain is a common disorder affecting up to four out of five people at some time during their life.
The Understanding my low back pain and whether I need imaging booklet was developed using previous research and feedback from practitioners and patients.
Designed as a free clinical resource for healthcare practitioners treating patients with low back pain, the booklet can help these practitioners:
- reduce unnecessary medical imaging
- improve communication between clinicians and patients
- aid patient education and understanding about low back pain
- improve low back pain management.
The booklet was developed by a team of researchers at:
- Macquarie University
- Sydney University
- Queens University (Canada).
The work was led by Dr Hazel Jenkins.
The booklet has been designed to complement a standard consultation and should only be used with patients with acute, uncomplicated low back pain, with no signs or symptoms of serious pathology (eg cancer or infection).
The booklet and associated resources are available for viewing and download.
Watch practitioner information videos:
Contact Dr Hazel Jenkins at hazel.jenkins@mq.edu.au for more information.