CPMA Physical Therapy (PT) Practice Test 2026 - Free PT Practice Questions and Study Guide

New or progressive neurological deficits with saddle anesthesia or changes in bowel or bladder, especially when accompanied by night pain or unrelenting, non-mechanical pain, signal potential serious spinal or systemic problems. These red flags point to possibilities like cauda equina syndrome, spinal cord compression, infection, fracture, or a malignancy, all of which require urgent medical evaluation and referral. In contrast, patterns that improve with movement or rest, normal sensation, or lack autonomic changes are more consistent with non-emergent, mechanical musculoskeletal issues and do not by themselves mandate urgent referral.