Return to course: NICE CKS Question Banks
Previous Lesson
Previous
Next
Next Lesson
Back Pain – Low (without radiculopathy) (P)
Return to
Course Curriculum
1. What is the most common cause of low back pain in primary care?
*
Disc herniation
Infection
Non-specific musculoskeletal strain
Osteomyelitis
2. Which red flag symptom warrants urgent referral in back pain?
*
Pain after walking
Improvement with rest
History of cancer
Morning stiffness
3. What is the recommended first-line treatment for non-specific low back pain?
*
Bed rest
Reassurance and physical activity
MRI
Surgery
4. Which of the following is NOT a red flag for serious pathology in low back pain?
*
Fever
Weight loss
Night pain
Pain worsened by movement
5. How long should patients with low back pain bed rest for according to NICE?
*
24 hours
48 hours
Complete rest for 1 week
None, encourage movement as early as possible
6. Which analgesia combination is typically recommended for first-line pain control?
*
Paracetamol +/- Codeine
NSAID (e.g. ibuprofen) + paracetamol
Codeine alone
Amitriptyline
7. Which of these would NOT be typical of non-specific low back pain?
*
Unilateral leg weakness
Muscle tightness
Pain aggravated by movement
Lower back stiffness
8. When should imaging be considered for low back pain?
*
At first presentation
Only when red flags are present
For all patients over 40
For reassurance
9. What does NICE recommend for people with low back pain lasting more than 6 weeks?
*
MRI scan
Referral for surgery
Group exercise programme
Steroid injection
10. Which psychological factor may influence chronicity in low back pain?
*
Kinesiophobia (fear of movement)
Addiction
Social support
Healthy coping
11. What is the typical prognosis of acute low back pain in most cases?
*
Will develop chronic symptoms
Will require imaging
Will improve in days to weeks
Will require hospitalisation
12. What activity should be encouraged in patients with non-specific back pain?
*
Normal daily activities
Prolonged sitting
Lying flat
Strict bed rest
13. Which of the following is most appropriate for preventing recurrence of low back pain?
*
Avoid all bending
Stop all exercise
Core strengthening and physical activity
Permanent back brace
14. Which of these features is most likely in inflammatory back pain, not mechanical?
*
Improves with rest
Pain worse at night
Associated with exertion
Unilateral pain
15. What is the role of gabapentinoids in NICE guidance on back pain?
*
First-line therapy
Consider only in hospital
Not recommended
Only used for short duration
16. Which healthcare professional can deliver manual therapy for back pain?
*
Physiotherapist
Paramedic
Neurologist
Nurse Practitioner
17. What intervention should NOT be used in routine management of back pain?
*
Opioids
Manual therapy
Exercise
Education and reassurance
18. What is a typical age of onset for non-specific back pain?
*
<10 years
15–55 years
60-75 years
>75 years
19. What does the STarT Back tool help with?
*
Diagnosing fracture
Assessing risk of chronicity and guiding treatment •
Ordering MRI
Excluding Cauda-equina
20. What is a common feature of mechanical low back pain?
*
Pain at night only
Constant pain without relief
Pain improves with inactivity
Pain worsens with movement