Lumbar Back Sprains: Diagnostic Steps
A lumbar back sprain or strain causes local tissues to swell when ligaments, muscles, tendons, or combinations become overstretched, overused, or torn. Swelling causes pain, tenderness, and stiffness; swelling serves to protect the injured back by restricting movement - similar to a splint on a broken leg.
Locating the Cause of Pain
General practitioners, primary care physicians, and spine specialists routinely
treat patients who suffer from low back sprain and strain. After reviewing the
patient's medical history, current symptoms, and treatments or medications the
patient has tried, the doctor performs a physical and neurological examination.
This exam may include testing the patient's range of motion by observing their
ability to bend forward, backward, and from side to side. Nerve deficit in the
legs may be tested by traditional ankle and knee jerk tests. Straight leg raises,
when the doctor raises each leg while the patient lies on their back, help determine
if there is nerve root irritation.
Sprains and strains can be very painful and the patient's complaints may be
similar to other disorders affecting the back. Therefore, to accurately diagnose
the problem, the doctor may order an x-ray, CT or MRI Scan.
Of course, if the doctor determines back pain is not due to sprain or strain,
he will look further, which may include seeking the opinion of a another specialist.