Back Pain Back Pain Diagnosis and Assessment

Question 1

Which red flag symptom in back pain patients requires immediate evaluation for cauda equina syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Bladder or bowel dysfunction

Answer

Bladder/bowel dysfunction alongside back pain suggests cauda equina compression, which is a surgical emergency requiring immediate imaging.

Question 2

What does a positive straight leg raise (SLR) test indicate?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar nerve root irritation

Answer

A positive SLR at 30-70° of hip flexion reproduces radicular pain and suggests nerve root irritation, typically from disc herniation.

Question 3

Which imaging modality is the gold standard for diagnosing lumbar disc herniation and nerve root compression?

Accepted Answer

MRI

Answer

MRI provides the best soft tissue contrast for visualizing disc herniations, nerve root compression, and spinal cord pathology without radiation.

Question 4

The Oswestry Disability Index measures which aspect of back pain?

Accepted Answer

Functional disability and quality of life

Answer

The Oswestry Disability Index is a validated questionnaire assessing how back pain affects activities of daily living and functional capacity.

Question 5

Pain that worsens with prolonged standing and improves with sitting or forward flexion is characteristic of which condition?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar spinal stenosis

Answer

Neurogenic claudication from spinal stenosis classically worsens with extension (standing) and relieves with flexion (sitting/forward lean) due to increased canal space.

Back Pain Practice Test

Back Pain Practice Test

Back Pain Back Pain Diagnosis and Assessment