The evaluation of chronic back strain or sprain begins with a medical history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with an injury to the bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons include:

• Poor range of motion in the spine
• Pain with motion
• Back stiffness
• Back tenderness

Physical findings in someone with an injury to the nerves include:

• Muscle weakness
• Numbness:
• Numbness of the groin
• Numbness of the buttock
• Numbness of the leg (unilateral)
• Numbness of the legs (bilateral)
• Poor or diminished deep tendon reflexes

Minor back strains and sprains do not require additional tests; however, more serious injuries may require additional testing.

Tests that may be used to evaluate chronic back strain or sprain include:

• Urinalysis
• Bone x-rays of the spine:
• Normal spine
• Compression fractures
• CT scanning of the spine
• MRI scanning of the spine
• Bone scan