The Low Back: How Much Do You Know About Low Back Pain?
One out of every five people in the United States suffers from low back pain. The standard conventional treatments are often of limited help, with medication providing only temporary relief. How much do you know about the relevant anatomy, assessment tests, and effective treatment techniques that can reduce, prevent, and eliminate severe and chronic low back pain?
- 1.
- A.
S1 root palsy
- B.
Foot drop
- C.
Shin splints
- D.
L3 nerve root compression
Correct Answer
B. Foot drop -
- 2.
- A.
Sacroiliac ligaments
- B.
Quadratus Lumborum muscle
- C.
Piriformis muscle
- D.
Iliolumbar ligaments
Correct Answer
A. Sacroiliac ligaments -
- 3.
If there is pain in the left side of the genitalia when side flexing to the right, what is the likely cause?
- A.
Sacrotuberous ligament sprain
- B.
A urilogical problem
- C.
An adductor strain
- D.
An iliolumbar ligament sprain
Correct Answer
D. An iliolumbar ligament sprainExplanation
An iliolumbar ligament sprain is the likely cause of pain in the left side of the genitalia when side flexing to the right. The iliolumbar ligament connects the fifth lumbar vertebra to the iliac crest, and spraining this ligament can cause pain in the lower back and pelvic region. Since the pain is specifically on the left side of the genitalia, it suggests that the sprain is affecting the left iliolumbar ligament.Rate this question:
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- 4.
- A.
Sacroiliac ligament sprain
- B.
A hamstring injury
- C.
A quadriceps injury
- D.
Gluteal bursitis
Correct Answer
B. A hamstring injury -
- 5.
An intense pain in the low back on passively stretching the quadriceps with the client in prone position indicates a problem in the:
- A.
Low back muscles
- B.
The sacroiliac ligaments
- C.
L3 nerve root compression
- D.
Tight quadriceps muscles
Correct Answer
C. L3 nerve root compressionExplanation
An intense pain in the low back on passively stretching the quadriceps with the client in a prone position indicates a problem in the L3 nerve root compression. This is because the L3 nerve root supplies sensation and motor function to the quadriceps muscles. When there is compression or irritation of the L3 nerve root, it can cause pain in the low back when the quadriceps are stretched. This suggests that there may be a nerve-related issue rather than a problem with the low back muscles, sacroiliac ligaments, or tight quadriceps muscles.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The client complains of pain in the lower buttock radiating down the back of the thigh, lower leg and into the heel. Active flexion is the only motion that causes pain. What is most likely injured?
- A.
A gluteus medius muscle
- B.
Sacroiliac ligament
- C.
The sacrotuberous ligament
- D.
A hamstring injury
Correct Answer
C. The sacrotuberous ligamentExplanation
The sacrotuberous ligament is most likely injured because the client complains of pain in the lower buttock radiating down the back of the thigh, lower leg, and into the heel. The sacrotuberous ligament connects the sacrum to the ischial tuberosity and can cause pain in these areas when it is injured.Rate this question:
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- 7.
If the psoas is weak when tested, which nerve root or roots are implicated?
- A.
L2 and L3
- B.
L4 and L5
- C.
L5
- D.
L4
Correct Answer
A. L2 and L3Explanation
Weakness in the psoas muscle indicates a problem with the nerve roots that innervate it. The psoas muscle is primarily innervated by the L2 and L3 nerve roots. Therefore, if the psoas is weak when tested, it suggests that there may be an issue with the L2 and L3 nerve roots.Rate this question:
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- 8.
- A.
An S2 nerve root compression
- B.
An injury to the intestines and/or the bladder
- C.
An S4 nerve root compression
- D.
An L5 radiculopathy
Correct Answer
C. An S4 nerve root compression -
- 9.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. False -
- 10.
- A.
Quadratus lumborum strain
- B.
Bilateral iliolumbar ligament sprain
- C.
L5 facet syndrome
- D.
Suprasacral ligament sprain
Correct Answer
B. Bilateral iliolumbar ligament sprain -
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