Table 1.

 

Red flags suggesting further investigation
Fever,
Age > 50,
Recent trauma,
Pain at night or at rest,
Progressive motor or sensory deficit,
Saddle anesthesia,
Unexplained weight loss,
History of cancer or strong suspicion of cancer,
History of osteoporosis or chronic steroid use,
Immunosuppression or
Failure to improve after 6 weeks of conservative therapy.