A 36-year-old man with acute non-specific low back strain but no neurological deficits; which management is appropriate at this time?

• A. Refer the patient to orthopedic surgery
• B. Continue ordinary activities as tolerated
• C. Confine the patient to bed with traction
• D. Recommend sleeping on a firm mattress

Answer: (B)

Managing acute nonspecific low back strain without neurological deficits focuses on staying active. Prolonged bed rest can worsen stiffness and slower recovery, so encouraging the patient to continue ordinary activities as tolerated supports healing and function. There’s no need for orthopedic referral or traction in this scenario, and while a firm mattress isn’t a specific treatment, the priority is maintaining movement within pain limits and using simple analgesia or nonpharmacologic relief as needed.