Sudden-Onset Back Pain or Limitation of Movement

CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL

Sudden-onset back pain or limitation of movement, developing within seconds to hours, is a common issue that can significantly impact patients’ quality of life.

This type of pain can arise from various conditions affecting the spine, intervertebral discs, and surrounding musculoskeletal structures. Accurate identification of the underlying cause is crucial to provide appropriate treatment and prevent long-term complications.

Condition	Symptoms and Clinical Signs	Suspected Diagnosis	Confirmatory Diagnosis
Mechanical Back Pain	Localised low back pain, worsens with physical activity and improves with rest	History of recent physical exertion, pain related to movement	Clinical evaluation, typically no additional tests needed
Posterior Lumbar Disc Prolapse	Acute low back pain, pain radiating to one or both legs (sciatica), weakness, paraesthesia	History of acute pain with radiation, worsens with spinal flexion	MRI showing posterior disc herniation
Anterior Lumbar Disc Prolapse	Localised low back pain, less commonly radiates to the legs	History of sudden-onset pain without significant radiation	MRI showing anterior disc herniation
Spondylolisthesis	Low back pain, sensation of instability, radiating leg pain, may worsen with standing or walking	History of chronic pain with acute episodes, signs of vertebral instability	X-rays with dynamic views showing vertebral displacement, MRI to assess soft tissues
Central Intervertebral Disc Protrusion	Central low back pain, possible spinal cord compression, weakness, sensory changes	History of severe central pain, neurological symptoms	MRI showing central disc protrusion