Unit 1 Prevalence and classification of low back pain

Unit accreditation number: H/506/8004

Worksheet – Prevalence and classification of low back pain

There are 34 marks available in this worksheet. You must score a minimum of 28 marks in total to achieve a pass. In addition to achieving the total pass mark, you must also score at least the minimum marks set for each question to achieve an overall pass.

  1. Define low back pain.

1 mark (minimum 1 mark)

  1. Summarise the national prevalence of low back pain considering differences in age, gender, socioeconomic status and occupation.

4 marks (minimum 3 marks)

  1. Compare the prevalence of low back pain in your country with the global incidence of low back pain and suggest reasons for the higher and lower incidence compared to other cultures.

3 marks (minimum 2 marks)

  1. Explain the financial impact of low back pain on the following organisations.

Employers
Governments
National Health Services or Medical Insurance companies

3 marks (minimum 2 marks)

  1. Explain the criteria for classifying low back pain as either acute or chronic.

2 marks (minimum 1 mark)

  1. Explain the differences in the processes and guidelines used for identifying and treating pain caused by specific identifiable trauma and pain with no identifiable specific underlying pathology.

2 marks (minimum 1 mark)

  1. Put the risk factors for low back pain into the correct category.

Risk factors for classification:

  • Smoking
  • High pressure management job
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Increasing age
  • Job with heavy manual labour
  • Gender
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Depression

Categories
Non-modifiable / Psychological
Occupational / Behavioural

4 marks (minimum 3)

  1. List an example of each type of source of credible information about low back pain.

National agencies
Other organisations
Literature

3 marks (minimum 2 marks)

  1. Identify a surgical operation that may be used to treat a specific cause of low back pain. Summarise the intended treatment outcome of the procedure as well as any potential unwanted effects.

Surgical procedure:
Desired treatment outcomes / Possible risks of surgery

2 marks (minimum 2 marks)

  1. Identify an analgesic used to manage chronic low back pain. Summarise the mechanism of action/effects of the pain killing medication and outline the key side effects that could interfere with safe exercise participation.

Analgesic medication:
Desirable effects of medication / Side effects of medication that could increase the risk of exercising

2 marks (minimum 2 marks)

  1. Identify six recommendations from the current national guidelines for the management of low back pain.

6 marks (minimum 4 marks)

  1. Considering the current treatment strategies for low back pain, outline the advantages and disadvantages in terms of outcome and cost.

Advantages / Disadvantages

2 marks (minimum 2 marks)

Result total / 34 marks (28marks in total, with the minimum set marks achieved for each question required to pass)

Pass / Refer

Assessor’s feedback:

Unit 2 Development and pathology of low back pain

Unit accreditation number: D/506/8003

Worksheet – Development and pathology of low back pain

There are 46 marks available in this worksheet. You must score a minimum of 37 marks in total to achieve a pass. In addition to achieving the total pass mark, you must also score at least the minimum marks set for each question to achieve an overall pass.

  1. Describe how each of the following can cause low back pain.

Specific spinal pathology
Nerve root pain / radicular pain
Non-specific low back pain

3 marks (minimum 3 marks)

  1. Evaluate how the following lifestyle factors influence the development or prevention of low back pain.

Occupation
Physical activity
Obesity

6 marks (minimum 4 marks)

  1. Explain the roles of relevant psycho-social factors in the development and management of low back pain.

A perceived inability to cope with stress
Avoidance of normal activities out of fear for worsening pain
Catastrophising about worst-case scenarios
Holding negative expectations and beliefs about pain and recovery

4 marks (minimum 3 marks)

  1. Explain the function of each of the following anatomical structures in a healthy back and how they can contribute to low back pain in cases of injury or dysfunction.

Anatomical structure / Function in a healthy back / Pathology that can contribute to low back pain
Vertebrae
Synovial joints
Intervertebral discs
Nerves
Ligaments
Muscles
Fascia

14 marks (minimum 11 marks, with at least 1 mark per row)

  1. Summarise the influence that chronic stress has on existing low back pain.

2 marks (minimum 1 mark)

  1. Describe the signs and symptoms that would indicate structural injury requiring medical attention.

Type of injury / Typical signs or symptoms
Specific spinal pathology
Nerve root pain/radicular pain

2 marks (minimum 2 marks)

  1. Identify two examples of physical co-morbidities and two examples of mental health co-morbidities of low back pain.

Physical health co-morbidities / Mental health co-morbidities

4 marks (minimum 3 marks)

  1. List two medications commonly used to manage low back pain and describe the mechanism of action and the side effects relevant to physical activity participation for each.

Medication name / Effect and mechanism of action / Side effects that could affect safe exercise

6 marks (minimum 4 marks)

  1. Describe the impact that long-term complications for low back pain may have on quality of life.

3 marks (minimum 2 marks)

  1. Explain how you would manage the following medical complications if they occurred during an exercise session with a low back pain client.

The client bends over to pick up a weight from the floor and before even reaching the weight yells out and reaches a hand to their lower back. They struggle to straighten to a standing position and describe a sudden burning pain and tightness across one side of their lower back.
The client is performing a shoulder press with a relatively heavy weight. Towards the end of the set they experience a sudden shooting pain in their low back that radiates down one leg and have to drop the weights. The pain eases when they change position but flares up again when they arch their back.

2 marks (minimum 2 marks)

Result total / 46 marks (37marks in total, with the minimum set marks achieved for each question required to pass)

Pass / Refer

Assessor’s feedback:

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