List

Examination and Evaluation

We compare the roles of medical history, physical examination, neurological examination and imaging.

Examination and EvaluationHow is pain assessed at a Korean medicine clinic?

Explains how a Korean medicine doctor determines treatment direction by assessing pain onset, movement, and daily function.

Examination and EvaluationWhat is evaluated when neck pain and arm numbness occur?

Movement of the neck and shoulders, and numbness and strength in the arms and hands, are examined according to the patient's condition.

Examination and EvaluationWhat is examined when you have shoulder pain and difficulty raising your arm?

Examines the directions of movement that cause shoulder pain and daily movements, and checks neck and arm symptoms when necessary.

Examination and EvaluationHow are walking and movement assessed when knee pain occurs?

Examines movements that trigger knee pain, swelling, walking patterns, and daily function together.

Examination and EvaluationWhat questions are asked during treatment for lower back pain?

Taking a medical history is the first step in understanding when pain began, which movements worsen it, warning signs and changes in daily function.

Examination and EvaluationWhat can a movement-based examination tell us about lower back pain?

Physical examination assesses movements associated with pain and functional changes in joints and muscles.

Examination and EvaluationReason for performing nerve examination when experiencing lower back pain and leg numbness

Neurological examination helps determine the direction of treatment by assessing sensation, muscle strength, reflexes, and gait.

Examination and EvaluationIf your lower back hurts, should you get an X-ray first?

X-rays are considered selectively when necessary for confirming fractures and bone structure to determine treatment.

Examination and EvaluationIf your lower back hurts, is an MRI absolutely necessary?

MRI is considered when confirmation of nerve compression or disc status is necessary for treatment decision.

Taking a medical history is the first step in deciding the direction of the examination.

We check the onset of pain, traumatic events, movements that exacerbate or alleviate symptoms, numbness and changes in muscle strength, systemic diseases, and responses to previous treatments. This information serves as the basis for determining which movements and nerve functions to examine, and whether imaging studies will alter treatment decisions.

Physical examination directly observes current movement and function.

We examine actual functions such as range of motion and reproduction of pain in joint movements, muscle tension and strength, walking, and sitting down and standing up. We do not definitively conclude that the body is misaligned based solely on visible asymmetry, but interpret it together with various examinations and symptoms.

If there are neurological symptoms, we check muscle strength, sensation, and reflexes.

If pain or numbness persists in the arm or leg, we examine muscle strength, sensation, reflexes, and gait. Even if pain decreases, if strength further weakens, it should not be judged as improvement; a rapid re-evaluation may be necessary.

We choose imaging when there is a specific question to answer.

X-rays are useful for examining bones and some fractures, while MRIs are useful for examining discs and nerves/soft tissues. Rather than imaging indiscriminately for all types of pain, we consider imaging when there are red flags or when the results will change the treatment direction, such as injections or surgery.

Start by Checking Your Most Discomforting Symptoms.

Rather than jumping to conclusions with a self-diagnosis, review red flags, range of motion, and functional changes step by step.

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