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This is the most important information that your doctor needs. You will be asked about: - Your symptoms (pain, numbness, location of pain and/or numbness)
- Severity (Scale of 1 to 10)
- Duration
- Activities or positions that make it better or worse.
- Previous medical care or surgical care
return to list - You will probably be asked to disrobe and put on a gown
- Your doctor will observe your movement, balance, and function.
- He will check your range of motion, strength, reflexes and sensation.
- Some of these exams may cause discomfort. Be sure to tell your doctor.
- Occasionally a rectal exam is necessary.
A chaperone can be available upon request. X-rays of the spine are routinely done. MCOS has digital x-ray equipment. If you have had previous x-rays, be sure to tell the secretary at the time that you schedule your appointment. This may save you time and money. Your x-rays will appear on a monitor in the exam room and they will be explained to you. This test is usually done at a hospital. It requires you to be still for 20 minutes. It provides images of your spine as if it were cut in sections from top to bottom and from side to side. The equipment is very loud. 
Occasionally it is necessary to do an electrical test of your nerves and muscles. This involves electrical stimulation of nerves and placement of needles into your muscles. When multiple discs are degenerated, it may be necessary to insert a needle into you discs to inject dye. This will tell us if the disc is abnormal and whether the pressure reproduces your pain.
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