TY - JOUR T1 - Radiography led to improved patient satisfaction but increased short term pain in patients with low back pain JF - Evidence Based Medicine JO - Evid Based Med SP - 145 LP - 145 DO - 10.1136/ebm.6.5.145 VL - 6 IS - 5 A2 - , Y1 - 2001/09/01 UR - http://ebm.bmj.com/content/6/5/145.abstract N2 - (2001) BMJ 322, 400. Kendrick D, Fielding K, Bentley E, et al.. Radiography of the lumbar spine in primary care patients with low back pain: randomised controlled trial.. Feb 17;. :. –5.OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text
 
 QUESTION: In primary care patients with low back pain of ≥6 weeks duration, does radiography of the lumbar spine help to improve clinical outcomes or satisfaction with care? Randomised {allocation concealed*}†, unblinded,* controlled trial with 3 months and 9 months follow up. 73 general practices in Nottinghamshire, southern Derbyshire, northern Lincolnshire, and northern Leicestershire, England. 421 patients who were 20–55 years of age (median age 39 y, 59% women) and had had low back pain for ≥6 weeks. Exclusion criteria were chronic back pain (>6 mo duration); radiography of the lumbar spine in the previous year; unexplained weight loss or fever; use of oral steroids; history of malignancy, tuberculosis, injecting drug use, or positive result on HIV test; symptoms or signs of a cauda equina lesion; or pregnancy. Follow up was 95% at … ER -