A Primary Care Approach to Acute & Chronic Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common and costly conditions encountered in primary care, yet management decisions often vary widely. This session provides a practical, evidence-based framework for evaluating and treating both acute and chronic back pain in the outpatient setting. Participants will review red flag identification, appropriate imaging use, first-line pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies, and strategies to support functional recovery. Emphasis will be placed on patient communication, risk stratification, and safe prescribing practices.