A 42-year-old male reports pain in his lower back for the past month. The pain sometimes radiates to his left leg. In determining the cause of the back pain, based on your knowledge of anatomy, what nerve roots might be involved? How would you test for each of them? What other symptoms need to be explored?

Walden University, NURS6512: 2 Responses to an Advanced Health Assessment| NURS6512 | Walden University

Based on the patient’s reported symptoms, it is likely that the nerve roots of L4 and L5 are involved in his lower back pain. A physical exam should be performed to test these symptoms. This will include assessing range of movement, muscle strength, and reflexes in each lower extremity. The straight leg-raise test is another way to assess possible involvement of the nerve roots. Radiating pain can occur along affected roots.

In order to accurately diagnose the cause of this patient’s back pain, additional symptoms need to be explored such as recent injuries or falls. According to age and history of medical conditions, it is also important to consider other causes. These include spinal stenosis, degenerative disk disease or even spinal stenosis. If further testing is required, imaging studies will be needed.

Finall, a comprehensive examination can help to make a better diagnosis and inform a treatment plan.