musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Evaluation of Neck and Back Pain
Geriatrics Essentials: Neck and Back Pain
Low back pain affects 50% of adults>60. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) (and CT or ultrasonography to detect it) should be considered in older patients with atraumatic low back pain, particularly those who smoke or have hypertension, even if no physical findings suggest this diagnosis. Imaging of the spine may be appropriate for older patients (eg, to rule out cancer) even when the cause appears to be uncomplicated musculoskeletal back pain. Use of oral muscle relaxants (eg,cyclobenzaprine,methocarbamol,metaxalone) and opioids is controversial; anticholinergic, central nervous system, and other adverse effects may outweigh potential benefits in older patients. 