Assessing Musculoskeletal Pain case study

Your Discussion post should be in the Episodic/Focused SOAP Note format rather than the traditional narrative
style Discussion posting format.
Photo Credit: University of Virginia. (n.d.). Lumbar Spine Anatomy [Photograph]. Retrieved from
http://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/courses/rad/ext/5lumbar/01anatomy.html. Used with permission of University of
Virginia.
A 42-year-old male reports pain in his lower back for the past month. The pain sometimes radiates to his left
leg. In determining the cause of the back pain, based on your knowledge of anatomy, what nerve roots might
be involved? How would you test for each of them? What other symptoms need to be explored? What are your
differential diagnoses for acute low back pain? Consider the possible origins using the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ) guidelines as a framework. What physical examination will you perform? What
special maneuvers will you perform?
With regard to the case study you were assigned:
Review this week's Learning Resources, and consider the insights they provide about the case study.
Consider what history would be necessary to collect from the patient in the case study you were assigned.
Consider what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be appropriate to gather more information about the
patient's condition. How would the results be used to make a diagnosis?
Identify at least five possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient.
The body is constantly sending signals about its health. One of the most easily recognized signals is pain.
Musculoskeletal conditions comprise one of the leading causes of severe long-term pain in patients. The
musculoskeletal system is an elaborate system of interconnected levers that provides the body with support
and mobility. Because of the interconnectedness of the musculoskeletal system, identifying the causes of pain
can be challenging. Accurately interpreting the cause of musculoskeletal pain requires an assessment process
informed by patient history and physical exams.
In this Discussion, you will consider case studies that describe abnormal findings in patients seen in a clinical
setting.
To prepare:
By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to one of the following specific case studies for this Discussion.
Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.
Your Discussion post should be in the Episodic/Focused SOAP Note format rather than the traditional narrative
style Discussion posting format. Refer to Chapter 2 of the Sullivan text and the Episodic/Focused SOAP
Template in the Week 5 Learning Resources for guidance. Remember that all Episodic/Focused SOAP notes
have specific data included in every patient case.
Review the following case studies: