College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which is an effective approach to assess the severity of a patient’s lower back pain?

1. Observation of gait pattern

2. Using a pain scale questionnaire

3. Measuring flexibility of the hamstrings

4. Assessing posture in static positions

The correct answer is: Using a pain scale questionnaire

Using a pain scale questionnaire is an effective approach to assess the severity of a patient’s lower back pain because it allows the patient to subjectively quantify their pain experience. This method provides a standardized way for patients to express how they perceive their pain, often using numerical values (for example, a scale from 0 to 10), which can help the clinician understand the intensity of the pain and its impact on the patient’s daily life. A pain scale questionnaire can capture various aspects of pain, including its intensity, frequency, and duration, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition. This patient-reported data is crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan and for tracking changes over time as therapy progresses. While other assessment methods can provide valuable information, such as assessing flexibility or observing gait, they do not directly measure the patient's subjective pain experience. Therefore, employing a pain scale questionnaire gives direct insight into the patient's perception of pain, which is essential for effective evaluation and management of lower back pain.