MSK Mini-Series: Back Pain

This is the first episode in a three part MSK mini-series, which aims to briefly capture important features in history, examination and further investigations of common joint presentations. Doctors Sara and Lisa speak to Tom Smith and Charlotte Barker who are First Contact Physiotherapists in Wigan. Back pain is the focus of this episode, with a fictional case used to chat through history, examination, red flags and further assessment of this very common primary care topic.

You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)

Useful resources: 

• Getting it right first time (GIRFT): https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/interactive-pathway-to-help-diagnose-and-treat-cauda-equina-syndrome-without-delay-is-now-live/

• National Spine Network, National Back Pain and Radicular Pain Pathway: https://www.nationalspinenetwork.co.uk/National-Back-Pain-and-Radicular-Pain-Pathway 

• MACP cauda equina information cards: https://www.macpweb.org/learning-resources/cauda-equina-information-cards.aspx

• NICE guidelines for back pain and sciatica: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng59

• International Framework for Red Flags for Potential Serious Spinal Pathologies - Finucane et al 2020: https://www.jospt.org/doi/epdf/10.2519/jospt.2020.9971

• Patient Exercise Options: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/services/back-pain/backtracks/my-backtracks-playlist/

• Patient Exercise Options: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio/

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Email us at: [email protected]

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This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.