Self Assessment Tool for Back Pain

Answer the following yes/no questions to the best of your ability. When finished, click the SUBMIT button at the end. Your self-assessment results will appear at the bottom.

1. Does your back pain change in intensity?

i.e. Does the amount of back pain change throughout the day?


2. Do you experience painful "catches" when you roll over in bed?

Other symptoms may be painful stabs or shots when moving, such as reaching into your trunk.


3. Is the pain at its worst first thing in the morning?

4. Does your back pain increase throughout the day?

i.e. You end the day with more back pain than what you started with in the morning.


5. Does your back pain radiate to the buttocks, legs, or feet?

6. Do you experience pain with spine flexion?

Features: Back pain is worsened with slouched sitting, gardening, bending, or even tying your shoes.


7. Do you experience pain with dynamic loading?

Features: Back pain is experienced when walking up or down the stairs, or walking over uneven ground.


8. Do you experience pain with neck flexion?

Features: Back, buttock, or leg pain is increased when the neck is bent forward.


9. Do you experience pain with spinal compression?

Features: Activities such as carrying loads and opening windows might cause pain.


10. Do you have pain only when walking a specific distance?

i.e. You're able to walk without pain initially but after a certain distance it becomes painful.


11. Do you have pain when bending backwards or when twisting?

The pain is usually made worse when twisting is combined with spine extension.


12. Does your pain hurt only when doing specific exercises?

e.g. You experience pain only when doing squats or deadlifts.


13. Do you have a history of conditions such as osteoporosis?

14. Does your back pain increase with fast walking?

Some people find that fast walking is painful, while others find relief. This may depend on the underlying cause of your back pain.