What are red flag questions?

Red flags are features from a patient’s subjective and objective assessment which are thought to put them at a higher risk of serious pathology and warrant referral for further diagnostic testing.

What tests are done for lower back pain?

If there is reason to suspect that a specific condition is causing your back pain, your doctor might order one or more tests:

• X-ray. These images show the alignment of your bones and whether you have arthritis or broken bones.
• MRI or CT scans.
• Blood tests.
• Bone scan.
• Nerve studies.

What do you need to know about lumbar spinal fusion?

Lumbar Spinal Fusion is the placement of screws, rods and cages to steady the spine. This is done because the spine is unstable because of an injury, or because the spine needs to be fixed in place because of pain. This surgery often includes the removal of part of or all of the bone that covers the back of the spinal column called the lamina.

What should be included in a lumbar spine assessment?

Assessment of the lumbar spine should allow clinical reasoning to include appropriate data collection tests from those listed below. The subjective examination is one of most powerful tools a clinician can utilize in the examination and treatment of patients with LBP.

What to look for in a physical exam for spinal stenosis?

During the physical exam your healthcare provider will look for signs of spinal stenosis, such as loss of sensation, weakness, and abnormal reflexes. These tests help make a diagnosis: X-rays of your lumbar spine. These may show bone growths called spurs that push on spinal nerves and/or narrowing of the spinal canal.

What to ask your doctor before spinal surgery?

What to ask your doctor about spinal surgery – before; Before spinal surgery – doctor questions; Before spinal surgery – what to ask your doctor; Questions to ask your doctor about back surgery Hamilton KM, Trost GR. Perioperative management.