Contents:
Medical Video: Back Pain Management: How to Perform a Focused Physical Exam | UCLA Health
Definition
What is a physical examination for lower back pain?
Before a doctor can diagnose your condition and plan the type of treatment, a complete history and physical examination is needed. The results of this test will help the doctor see if your back pain and other symptoms are related to pressure on the nerves, and which nerves might be pinched. The doctor will use this information to help determine whether this type of treatment is effective.
When should I undergo a physical examination for lower back pain?
Historical and physical examination is the first part of the recovery of lower back problems. The doctor may change or miss a number of tests to avoid a more severe back injury.
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing a physical examination for lower back pain?
Pain can be related to physical and emotional causes. If you are stressed, for example, your back muscles can narrow or cramp, causing or aggravating pain. Problems with emotion can also aggravate pain. If you or your doctor feels that pain is caused or exacerbated by stress, anger, or other emotional problems, plan a special treatment. Cognitive habits and biofeedback therapy are two types of treatment that can help with pain.
Process
What should I do before undergoing a physical examination for lower back pain?
You must prepare a full and detailed review of previous diagnosis and treatment. Even though the disease is completely gone or doesn't seem too important to you, you should know that the problem might help the doctor diagnose lower back pain. Also, knowing all medical problems in the past and now will help doctors decide how to treat your condition best.
As part of your medical history, you should also review with your doctor about the medication you are using. This method is best by bringing a list of names and dosages of the drug you are currently using.
What is the process of physical examination for lower back pain?
First, you will be asked about the history of your complete physical condition. This might begin by filling out a form containing questions related to pain. The more information you provide to the doctor, the easier the problem is diagnosed. Your physical history is important because it helps doctors understand when pain starts, anything that can cause injury, your lifestyle, physical factors that might cause pain, and a family history of this condition. After reading all the written history, the physicist will provide more questions related to the information you have provided. Some common questions include:
- When do you start to feel pain?
- Are there injuries that can be related to pain?
- Where do you begin to feel pain? How is the intensity?
- Does the pain spread to other parts of the body?
- What factors make pain better or worse?
- Have you been injured or had surgery on your back or neck?
- Have you ever experienced bladder or intestinal problems?
- Is there a history of osteoporosis in the family?
During a physical examination, the doctor will tell you to do a series of movements while you stand, sit, and lie down. This allows assessing muscle and sensory problems that cause lower back pain. The physical examination will also include:
- observation and measurement
- palpation, where the doctor will examine the joints and pulse in the foot
- general examination of the upper body parts (other than the head and hands) and feet
- nerve test
- special tests such as straight leg tests
What should I do after undergoing a physical examination for lower back pain?
You may be asked to undergo a variety of diagnostic tests. Tests are chosen based on what doctors suspect is the cause of pain.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
A history and physical examination of lower back pain may produce the results below:
Normal
History does not explain the cause of lower back pain.
Physical examination does not cause the same type of pain, weak muscles, or symptoms related to the nerves you experience.
The doctor may recommend:
- non-surgical treatment (resting, painkillers, hot or ice bags, exercise)
- There are many tests and examinations to find out if some other medical problems are causing lower back pain
Abnormal
Medical history and physical examination may distinguish between lower back problems due to muscle injury or because you move them too often, and back problems due to pressure on nerves or other unusual problems.
If back pain appears to be related to muscle injury or overuse, or if nerve-related symptoms are not severe, your doctor may recommend conservative treatment (resting, painkillers, hot bags or ice, exercise) for a certain period to see if your symptoms improve.
If the nerve-related symptoms are more serious or if the doctor suspects a more serious problem, he may recommend more tests, such as X-rays, MRI, CT, or blood tests.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
