Care Pathway for the Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy
Offer information on nature, management, the course of the back pain as a framework for the initiation of a program of care
Aim to understand the patient's beliefs and expectations about their low back pain and address any misunderstandings (e.g. low back pain is caused by serious pathology) or apprehensions through education and reassurance.
Educate and reassure the patient about the favourable prognosis of lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy and reinforce the importance of maintaining activities of daily living. Example Script
No
No
No
Yes
Are symptoms ≤3 months?
Yes
Management of Symptoms
Based on shared decision making between the patient and provider, any one of the following therapeutic interventions is recommended:
Yes
Yes
No
No
Discharge
Are symptoms >3 months?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Discharge
No