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Semin Neurol 2019; 39(01): 041-052
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1677044
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Evaluation and Management of Neck and Back Pain

John W. Martel
1   Department of Emergency Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine
,
Samuel B. Potter
2   PGY-2, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
11 February 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Neck and back pain are common reasons for seeking evaluation and treatment in the emergency department. Within both systems there exist several time-sensitive diagnoses that the emergency provider should be familiar with in order to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. In this article we provide a general overview of these complaints by discussing problems in a systems-based fashion as well as discussing the initial evaluation, work-up, and treatment options for these diagnoses.

Keywords

back pain - neck pain - cauda equina syndrome - spinal epidural abscess - aortic dissection - abdominal aortic aneurysm - vertebral artery dissection
 

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