Table 1.

Differential for low back pain.^a

Spinal Fractures	Cauda Equina Syndrome	Neoplastic Conditions	Ankylosing Spondylitis	Spinal Infection
Major trauma	Saddle anesthesia	Older athlete with age over 50 years	Getting out of bed at night due to back pain	Recent fever and chills
Compression fracture: minor trauma or strenuous lifting in older or potentially osteoporotic athletes; prolonged corticosteroid use	Recent onset of bladder dysfunction, such as urinary retention, increased frequency, or overflow incontinence	Prior history of cancer Unexplained weight loss No relief with bed rest	Morning stiffness Male sex Age at onset < 35 years	Recent bacterial infection, intravenous drug abuse, or immune suppression (from steroids, transplant, or HIV)
Pars interarticularis stress fracture: persistent back pain in younger athletes involved in repetitive hyperextension activities (ie, gymnastics, wrestling, weight lifting)	Serious or progressive neurologic deficit in the lower extremity		No relief when lying down Relief with exercise and activity

^aAdapted from Cleland and Fritz American Physical Therapy Association Monograph 2007.