Method Of Exam

• The examiner should stand behind the patient and observe the alignment of the spine in the flexed position to determine scoliosis.
• View the spine from the side to determine kyphosis.
• Ask the patient if he is aware of sore spots. Palpate the spinous process and be gentle with the sore spots. Percuss one vertebra at a time, starting from head.
• Assess range of motion of spine by having patient bend down to pick up an object without bending his legs while you hold his hips.

Normal:

• Gentle concavities in cervical and lumbar regions and a convexity in the thorax.
• Vertebral line and gluteal cleft align.