An unusual X-ray; ankylosing spondylitis with .762 bullet remaining from previous assault An unusual X-ray; ankylosing spondylitis with .762 bullet remaining from previous assault
Please note that except for red flag problems we will not normally see patients within six weeks of onset, as over 90% of mechanical back pain will improve within that time. No referrals will be triaged to orthopaedics, as the Queen Mary's surgeons do not operate on backs.
| Specialty | Duration of Problem or important sign/symptom |
| Physiotherapy | Back Pain |
| P1 | 6 -12 weeks |
| P2 | 3 – 6 months |
| P3 | More than 6 months |
| Rheumatology | Back pain + |
| ? sinister | • ESR or Alk Phos • History of malignancy (without neurology) |
| ?inflammatory | • Iritis • IBD • Psoriasis • Urethritis |
| Red flag | • Major neurology • Bladder or bowel impaired |
| ? disc | • Weakness or sensory deficit • Minor neurology |
| Pain Clinic | Back Pain |
| Failed physiotherapy |
You can download a patient information sheet for early patients.
Frequently asked questions about our Back Pain service. There have been many misconceptions about how the service works. For an example of how speedy our system can be, look at An Express Service, a case history of a real referral.
For the back pain referral form please click here.
We are in the process of reorganising the clinic structures for rheumatology on Choose & Book at Queen Mary's. While this is being done we would advise colleagues NOT to refer back pain patients who are suitable for the Triage service through C&B, as any such referrals will be booked into ordinary rheumatology clinics. Please use the existing triage forms and fax to the number shown or email to elaine.willett@qms.nhs.uk. As soon as it is possible to book through C&B we will let you know. Referrals of patients who have failed triage, or physiotherapy, may be referred via C&B.
8th March 2007