Evaluation and Treatment of Low Back Pain W. Michael Hooten, MD, Steven P. Cohen, MD  Mayo Clinic Proceedings  Volume 90, Issue 12, Pages 1699-1718 (December 2015) DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.10.009 Copyright © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 Intervertebral disc structure. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2015 90, 1699-1718DOI: (10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.10.009) Copyright © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions

Figure 2 A, Lateral view of the potential effects of disc bulging and degenerative changes on spinal nerve roots. B, Axial view of a ruptured lumbar intervertebral disc. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2015 90, 1699-1718DOI: (10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.10.009) Copyright © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions

Figure 3 Anatomy and innervation of the lumbar facet joint. Also depicted are bilateral fractures of the pars interarticularis (pars defect) and an osteoarthritic facet joint. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2015 90, 1699-1718DOI: (10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.10.009) Copyright © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions

Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the lumbar spine, depicting ligamentous structures. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2015 90, 1699-1718DOI: (10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.10.009) Copyright © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions

Figure 5 Muscle groups that contribute to lumbar spine function. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2015 90, 1699-1718DOI: (10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.10.009) Copyright © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions

Figure 6 Summary of clinical and anatomical characteristics of axial LBP and radicular pain. EBM = evidence-based medicine; LBP = low back pain. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2015 90, 1699-1718DOI: (10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.10.009) Copyright © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions