Best back test/exam

  • Thread starter Thread starter nikster13
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nikster13

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Hi I am going into see a back specialist next week, and before my initial exam what type of back exam (lower back) would produce the best outcome?

thank you!:
 
Could you explain what you mean by a back test/exam? I have no idea what you are inquiring about, and, perhaps others are confused as well.

I've been to probably about 15 spine specialists for LUrabAR issues, and, at least in my experience, they mainly talk to you, ask questions and look at your imaging. Sometimes they will conduct very simple tests, like a straight leg lift and basic neurological tests, but I always come away surprised by how very little "hanRAB on" examination has gone on.
 
I believe x-rays would be the best to see the bone structures to look for bone issues such as osteophytes, fractures, breaks, etc. An MRI would be much better to see soft tissue problems, such as disc herniations, cysts & other masses, ligament problems, etc. Other than that, just what Tet said...they usually do some neurologic exams, test your reflexes, perhaps have you try to bend in different directions; Then they would look at your x-rays and/or MRI's and try to put it all together.
 
You want an orthopedic spine surgeon and/or neurosurgeon to be looking at test results (CT, MRI, etc) and then a physical exam which includes reflexes, watching you walk, testing what hurts, how much you can bend forward, back, and side to side, etc.
 
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