Table of Contents
How do doctors diagnose lower back pain?
Imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, may be required to help identify the source of your low back pain. Other tests your doctor may suggest: Bone scan: This test can help detect certain spine conditions, such as spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis), fractures, and infections.
How do you diagnose what is causing back pain?
If there is reason to suspect that a specific condition is causing your back pain, your doctor might order one or more tests:
- X-ray. These images show the alignment of your bones and whether you have arthritis or broken bones.
- MRI or CT scans.
- Blood tests.
- Bone scan.
- Nerve studies.
What are the differential diagnosis of back pain?
Inflammatory disorders, malignancy, pregnancy, trauma, osteoporosis, nerve root compression, radiculopathy, plexopathy, degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, facet joint injury, and infection are all part of the differential.
What is the differential diagnosis of low back pain in an older adult?
Two of the most common causes of lower back pain in older adults include osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis. Degeneration of joints in the lumbar spine is a common cause of back pain in older adults.
What is a nerve test for back pain?
Nerve tests Electromyogram or EMG is a test that involves placing very small needles into the muscles. Electrical activity is then monitored. Its use is usually reserved for more chronic pain and to predict the level of nerve root damage.
Which test should be done for back pain?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio frequency to create a picture of bones, soft tissues, and organs. It gives your doctor a picture of your spinal cord, the nerves, and the discs of the spine, which are the most commonly affected structures in cases of back pain.
How do you know when back pain is serious?
When you should go to the ER for back pain
- Sudden spike in pain, discomfort, weakness or numbness.
- Loss of bladder function.
- High fever.
- Severe stomach pain.
- Unexplainable weight loss.
- The pain results from a fall or severe blow to your back.
What doctor treats back pain?
Start with someone who specializes in nonsurgical treatment for back pain. This can include a physiatrist, chiropractor, physical therapist, or orthopaedic physician assistant. They can evaluate your condition and offer appropriate treatment to help alleviate your pain.
What is differential diagnosis of low back pain?
Differential Diagnosis of Acute Low Back Pain
| Disease or condition | Patient age (years) | Quality of pain |
|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis | >50 | Ache, shooting pain, “pins and needles” sensation |
| Spondylolisthesis | Any age | Ache |
| Ankylosing spondylitis | 15 to 40 | Ache |
| Infection | Any age | Sharp pain, ache |
What does straight leg test for?
The straight leg raise test, also called the Lasegue test, is a fundamental maneuver during the physical examination of a patient with lower back pain. It aims to assess for lumbosacral nerve root irritation. This test can be positive in a variety of conditions, though lumbar disc herniation is the most common.
What are predictors for the development of low back pain in adults?
The main predictors of back pain include physical stress (e.g., prolonged lifting, driving, forceful or repetitive movements involving the back),1–7 psychosocial stress (e.g., high perceived workload and time pressure, low control and lack of social support at work),8,9 personal characteristics (e.g., psychological …
Is EMG better than MRI?
For patients with muscle pain who have a normal CK level, the added pain of an EMG may be unnecessary. Instead, if further testing is needed, a muscle MRI may be more useful than EMG. When pain is the only symptom, it is inherently vague and leaves care providers debating whether pain is a nerve or muscle problem.