title: [Clinical evaluation of low back pain].
abstract: On the diagnosis of backache, at first ask patients detailed questions about medical history of backache, the situation at the time of onset and process of the pain, intensity and location on the body of the pain, which movement to strengthen them or which posture to moderate them. Following them, check the abnormality of how to walk and the normal curvature of the spine at standing from behind and the side. Examine the movement and flexibility of the lumbar spine in bending forward, backward and twisting. After them, examine the neurological functions on their legs to search paralysis, muscle weakness, reflex changes and sensory changes. Observe lumbar part and check the presence of redness, swelling and hyperthermia, and examine a location of tenderness. X-rays, CT or MRI examination can be performed if necessary, but should not be fascinated by only image findings, and it is necessary to evaluate in total them with the results of physical examinations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nippon Medical School.
authors.forename: Masabumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miyamoto
authors.forename: Hiromoto
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ito
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination