Because the causes of the common issues of spinal and back pain are often complex and potentially from a range of different factors, it is very difficult for experts to offer an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis for back problems. Indeed, many regard diagnosing spine pain to be far more difficult than diagnosing other issues. While some problems with the spine might be caused by straightforward and obvious concerns such as fractures, infections, or tumors, others need the insight of a specialist.
However, as complicated as diagnosing spine pain might be, an accurate diagnosis is essential, as different diagnoses often come with various treatment approaches. The sooner an accurate diagnosis can be made for any specific patient, the sooner the patient in question will be able to have access to the appropriate treatment for the pain that he or she is suffering, and therefore be better able to enjoy common activities.
Diagnosing Spine Pain: The Process
When it comes to understanding back and spinal pain, a clear diagnosis will be required to identify the underlying cause of the problem. Many medical professionals will attempt to determine the cause of a particular pain through a range of processes and steps, including the review of a patient's history and a physical examination. In a review of the patient's medical history, the physician will need to ask the patient a number of questions, and request a description of when the pain occurs and how it feels as well as which activities might make it feel better or worse.
During a physical examination, the doctor will look at nerve function within the spine, and muscle strength along various parts of the back, as well as the leg and arm. Doctors will often test for pain in a range of different positions, and usually this series of tests will give the professional a good insight into the kind of problem a particular patient is suffering from.
In specific cases, after the doctor has obtained a good idea of what the source of the pain may be, he or she might order a diagnostic test, such as an MRI or t scan that can help to confirm the presence of a problem that is suspected to be causing the pain. For instance, if a problem with a spinal disc is suspected, then an imaging test might be able to provide an image that shows the size and location of the disc problem, and any affected nerves.
Types of Diagnostic Tests:
Some of the most common imaging tests used for diagnosing spine pain are X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. X-rays are helpful in showing the details of the bone structures throughout the spine, and can be used to check for instability, fractures, and tumors. Additionally, CT scans are very detailed types of X-rays, which use cross section insights of the body to give doctors a significant view of the problem. These solutions are excellent for detail and great at imaging specific conditions. Finally, MRI scans are useful for diagnosing conditions involving discs in the spine, such as degenerative disc disease. These tests are also useful for ruling out infections and spinal tumors.