Final answer:
Initial treatment for the 38-year-old female with low back pain may involve pain relievers, physical therapy, and heat/cold therapy. Imaging would be the next step if there is no improvement, to check for musculoskeletal issues like herniated discs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most appropriate management for a 38-year-old female patient evaluated for low back pain that began 7 days ago when she bent over would likely involve pain management, physical therapy, and perhaps imaging studies if the pain persists or if there are concerning features. Initial treatment may include over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen and the application of heat or cold packs. If symptoms do not improve with conservative measures, the patient may need to be evaluated for possible musculoskeletal disorders, such as a herniated disc or muscle strain. Additionally, if her symptoms worsen or do not improve with initial treatment, further diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be necessary to rule out more serious conditions.