Table 2 General overview of examination for LBP-patients [1] used in ManRück

History taking:

● duration of pain

● loss of muscle power

● loss of sensitivity

● fever

● traumatic injury

● known osteoporosis

● weight-loss, night-sweats or other signs of cancer

Clinical examination

The examination should be conducted with the patient standing without shoes. If possible, the patient should also wear no trousers and be examined with a free lower back from rib cage to the posterior superior iliac spine.

Examination while the patient is standing:

● Inspection of the spine (faulty posture/signs of traumatic injury)

● Indication by the patient of a) pain localization and b) radiation where applicable

● Walking on tiptoes and on the heels (to identify damage to S1 and L5)

● Spine test

● Standing forward flexion test

Examination while the patient is sitting:

● Quadriceps test (patient straightens leg against the examiner’s hand)

Examination while the patient is lying:

● Sensitivity in both legs

● Characteristic muscles for L2/3 - > Adduction

● Characteristic muscle for L5 - > M. ext. hallucis long.

● Lasègue- and Bragard’s test

● The flexibility of the hip joints (interior and exterior rotation)