We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Should I Expect during a Back Examination?

By Madeleine A.
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,864
Share

During a back examination, the health care provider will request that the patient perform a variety of movements while sitting, standing, and lying down. These movements allow the health care provider to evaluate sensory or muscular problems that can contribute to back pain. The back examination also includes palpation, which means that the practitioner will feel the back for proper joint alignment, as well as assess for painful or tender points in the back.

The straight leg raise, the patient's gait and deep tendon reflex evaluation may also be included in the comprehensive back examination. The results of the back examination can reveal whether the symptoms are related to nerve problems, or if they are originating from bone or muscle conditions. Sometimes, a back evaluation will not reveal obvious reasons for back symptoms such as pain, stiffness, decreased mobility, and numbness.

A back examination can include diagnostic medical tests, such as x-rays, an MRI, or CT scan. If results still do not yield an organic cause for symptoms, simple, non-surgical interventions may prove beneficial. For symptoms of back pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility, the health care provider may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, prescription pain relievers, ice, heat, or physical therapy.

When the back exam reveals abnormalities, further testing may be warranted to determine the extent of the problem. Surgery is sometimes recommended for severe back pain, however, it may not always be successful. In fact, back surgery sometimes worsens certain conditions and is typically reserved as a last resort. Occasionally, stress can trigger muscle spasms and pain, and when this occurs, treatments such as biofeedback and cognitive behavior therapy can help manage stress-related pain.

The health care professional also needs to take a complete medical history from the patient which typically includes the description and characteristics of the back pain as well as related symptoms such as numbness, leg pain, and tingling. Family history of back pain, as well as congenital back problems also need to be reported to the health care provider who is performing the back exam.

Back pain is very common and can be caused by numerous conditions. Symptoms can be mild and temporary, or long-term and severe. Regardless of the cause, back pain should never be ignored, because if not treated at the first sign of symptoms, complications can occur, such as permanent muscle or nerve damage, loss of function, and decreased range of motion.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-should-i-expect-during-a-back-examination.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.