This paper explores a typical patient scenario in primary care to highlight evidence-based approaches for challenging aspects of management, such as imaging and pain management.

Treatment of central low back pain is difficult given the numerous treatment options available.

Despite international consensus regarding the judicious use of diagnostic spinal imaging, patients continue to be over-referred.

It is reasonable to consider including exercise-based services in the care team to enable patients with non-specific chronic low back pain to transition to self-management.

Complex spinal pain interdisciplinary assessment in a primary care setting shows reasonable long-term outcomes comparable to more intensive interventions.

Psychological support provided by GPs is an important factor for the maintenance of a positive sense of wellbeing for patients with persistent pain.

The aim of this article is to provide GPs with a review of the current literature, summarise a diagnostic pathway and propose a treatment algorithm for median arcuate ligament syndrome.

This article outlines an approach for understanding, explaining and managing chronic pelvic pain in women with a normal laparoscopy.

The study aims to identify the relationship between somatic amplification of bodily sensations and health anxiety in adolescents.

Every doctor has experienced heartsink with the realisation that the next patient encounter will be difficult. Engaging with heartsink issues is demanding and uncomfortable but necessary.

Chronic pelvic pain can be challenging for practitioners but more especially patients. Understanding its nature and the range of available therapies can assist significantly.*

This article summarises the aetiology and contributing factors of vaginismus, how a diagnosis can be made, the implications of vaginismus for primary care clinical practice and treatment options.

This issue of AJGP examines musculoskeletal conditions – how these cause pain and how to manage the multitude of ways in which these impairments affect the lives of our patients.

This article describes an approach to the assessment and management of the common presentations of acute cervical spine pain.

Pain due to musculoskeletal conditions is difficult to express and define and is often overlooked in consultations.