Clinical Examination of the Lumbar Spine

Low back pain is one of the most common causes of health care visits and has the highest global prevalence of all musculoskeletal conditions. Although musculoskeletal back pain is often temporary and self-limited, it may represent more worrisome pathologic conditions that can lead to permanent disability if not diagnosed and treated appropriately. To evaluate the cause of back or leg pain, health care providers must be skilled in obtaining a history of the patient’s symptoms and concerns and performing a physical examination of the lumbar spine.