Pattern
How low back pain commonly shows up
Some people flare up with bending and lifting, while others feel worse after sitting, standing, or long car rides.
Symptom clusters
These are common patterns people report. Your exam clarifies which ones matter and what they mean.
- Pain that increases after sitting, especially when you first stand up
- Pain that builds with standing in one place, like cooking or waiting in line
- A sharp catch with bending forward, tying shoes, or picking something up
- Soreness after lifting, carrying, or repeated trips in and out of the car
- Morning stiffness that eases after you start moving
- Pain that ramps up by the end of the day after normal activity
- Difficulty rolling in bed, getting comfortable, or changing positions at night
- Pain with getting up from a chair, getting out of bed, or climbing stairs
- A tight, guarded feeling that makes you brace during everyday movements
- Symptoms that flare with prolonged driving or sitting with poor support
Exam
What we measure in a low back exam
We measure how your back moves, how it tolerates repeated movement, and which positions reliably change symptoms. We also check strength and control through simple tasks like hinging, squatting, and getting in and out of a chair so we can track change over time.
What we measure
History + mechanism
What happened, what changed, and what makes symptoms better or worse.
Range + tolerance
Where motion is limited and what movements reproduce symptoms.
Strength + stability
Key muscle groups and joint control relevant to your presentation.
Neurologic screen
If indicated: sensation, reflexes, and symptom behavior patterns.
If red flags exist, we escalate to appropriate medical evaluation.
Plan
Build capacity
Your plan is built around the exact activities that trigger your back. We start with the movements you can do, then we increase range, load, and strength.