What tests are needed to check back pain

For patients with low back pain, they should visit a specialist for a specialized examination. First of all, it is important to distinguish which department is the problem, because some surgical diseases, such as internal diseases, such as renal colic and gallstones, may also manifest as low back pain. If these conditions are ruled out and it is determined to be an orthopedic problem, an orthopedic examination should be done to see the location of the back pain, the nature of the pain, the patient’s position and gait. Then, based on the physical examination, some flexion and extension activities may be done, straight leg raise test, and check the sensation, movement, and reflexes of the lower limbs. Depending on the suspicion, auxiliary examinations such as X-ray and lumbar CT can be done to check the lumbar disc and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. In addition, if there are neurological symptoms, MRI may be further checked, and targeted examinations are taken according to the conditions suspected by the examination.