THE MOVEMENT FIRST APPROACH FOR RED FLAGS

Is to use only our SpinalRisk Red Flag Checker assessment tool to identify potential serious spinal pathologies. Everyone who I have treated must be cleared of these risks when commencing rehabilitation.

Even though the risks are low, we are making the best possible effort to safeguard ourselves, all of our clients. We are attempting to improve an inefficient system by addressing these with every single assessment.

So the process for you is a simple cross them off the list or circle them.  

Example 1 : Mary, 54, Female

Mary has had back pain on and off for the past two months. There was no specific fall or accident, it just slowly came on. She wants to keep strong and not lose any muscle but has been diagnosed with osteoporosis and has an immunological disorder which she takes medication for daily. She has been on the current dose for four months. 

So her SpinalRisk Red Flag Checker looks like this:

Because she has circled more than two of the options in the first bracket, she should seek medical investigation as soon as possible. She could have a fracture of the spine or perhaps something even more serious.

Does this mean she cannot do any exercise to help her spinal pain?

Not necessarily, but her limitations and restrictions of movement will be far different if she is confirmed to have a serious pathology like fracture. These need to be guided by a medical specialist.