Review Question - QID 210715

A 52-year-old man presents to his primary care physician for lower back pain. The patient states that he has had constant lower back pain for the past week and has not responded to rest. The patient states his pain occurs both during the day and at night and has been steadily worsening. He is unable to partake in his daily activities. The patient has a past medical history of diabetes and hypertension. His temperature is 98.7°F (37°C), blood pressure is 117/68 mmHg, pulse is 90/min, respirations are 12/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Physical exam demonstrates an uncomfortable man who refuses to demonstrate spinal mobility on exam secondary to pain. Palpation of the patient's lower back slightly worsens his symptoms. Laboratory values are notable only for an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. A radiograph of the lumbar spine is seen in Figure A. Which of the following is the most appropriate step in management?