What Should I Expect during a Back Examination?

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.