ABSTRACT
Low back pain (LBP) is the most common presenting complaint in pain and orthopedic specialty practices and is the second most common symptomatic complaint in a primary care setting with an annual prevalence of 15% to 20% in the United States. Evaluation of an individual with suspected neuropathic LBP must include a detailed medical history and review of systems in addition to a comprehensive physical and neurological examination to exclude primary peripheral neuropathies. Sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction should be thoroughly investigated during the physical examination. When performing the sensory component of the examination of neuropathic LBP, special attention should be given to the leg, inguinal region, gluteal region, and back. The lumbar spine consists of five separate lumbar vertebrae and links the thoracic vertebral column to the sacrum. An extensive ligamentous network is present and adds extra stability to the lumbar spine.
