66-year-old female with lower back pain iHuman Week 9

The patient is a 66-year-old retired female with a medical history of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and chronic back pain. She presents with a sudden onset of intense lumbothoracic back pain, rated 9/10, which started one day ago following heavy lifting. The pain is constant and does not radiate. She denies any associated symptoms, including numbness, tingling, recent falls, trauma, fever, unintended weight changes, bowel or bladder dysfunction, dizziness, or a history of malignancy.

During the physical examination, her vital signs are stable, and she has a kyphotic posture. Due to discomfort, spinal-specific tests could not be completed. Tenderness and significant pain were noted upon palpation of the L1 vertebra. A neurological evaluation of the lower extremities showed preserved strength, reflexes, tone, and sensation bilaterally.