55-Year-Old Male Presenting with Acute Lower Back Pain: Comprehensive iHuman Week #9 Clinical
Case (Class 6512
,CHIEF COMPLAINT
“Lower back pain for several days/weeks.
, HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS (HPI)
Key structured history (what exam expects):
Onset: Gradual or sudden
Location: Lumbar region (central or unilateral)
Radiation: Buttock, posterior thigh, below knee? (radiculopathy clue)
Duration: Acute (<6 weeks) or chronic (>12 weeks)
Character: Dull, sharp, burning, stabbing
Severity: 1–10 scale
Aggravating factors: bending, lifting, coughing, sitting
Relieving factors: rest, NSAIDs, lying flat
Associated symptoms (CRITICAL RED FLAGS):
o Fever ❗
o Weight loss ❗
o Night pain ❗
o Weakness/numbness ❗
o Bowel/bladder dysfunction ❗ (cauda equina)
Case (Class 6512
,CHIEF COMPLAINT
“Lower back pain for several days/weeks.
, HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS (HPI)
Key structured history (what exam expects):
Onset: Gradual or sudden
Location: Lumbar region (central or unilateral)
Radiation: Buttock, posterior thigh, below knee? (radiculopathy clue)
Duration: Acute (<6 weeks) or chronic (>12 weeks)
Character: Dull, sharp, burning, stabbing
Severity: 1–10 scale
Aggravating factors: bending, lifting, coughing, sitting
Relieving factors: rest, NSAIDs, lying flat
Associated symptoms (CRITICAL RED FLAGS):
o Fever ❗
o Weight loss ❗
o Night pain ❗
o Weakness/numbness ❗
o Bowel/bladder dysfunction ❗ (cauda equina)
