American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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What is a significant characteristic of a subacute back pain classification?

Lasting less than 4 weeks
Lasting 4 to 12 weeks
Lasting more than 12 weeks
Only occurs after injury

The correct answer is: Lasting 4 to 12 weeks

Subacute back pain is defined as pain that lasts between 4 to 12 weeks. This classification helps differentiate it from other time frames of back pain, such as acute pain, which typically lasts less than 4 weeks, and chronic pain, which persists for more than 12 weeks. Understanding this classification is crucial in clinical practice as it informs the treatment approach. For instance, subacute back pain may require different management strategies compared to acute or chronic back pain, including physical therapy and monitoring for progression. The timing of symptoms plays a significant role in the diagnosis and potential underlying causes, making the duration an essential characteristic in the classification of back pain.