If you have back pain, it is important to get a proper diagnosis prior to starting any treatment. Treating the wrong condition can be an expensive waste of time, and you might even find that your symptoms worsen in the meantime. For these reasons, your physician will likely perform several tests to accurately identify the cause of your discomfort.
Physical Exams
The first step in the diagnostic process is usually a physical examination. After taking your medical history into account, reviewing your symptoms, and examining your spine, a physician may perform several clinical assessments, which may include range of motion, muscle strength, and reflex and flexibility tests, among others.
Imaging Scans
One a physician has an idea of what might be causing your back pain, a diagnosis might be confirmed with one or more imaging tests, but these are not always necessary. CT scans. MRI scans, bone scans, and X-Rays are all potential diagnostic options that can provide detailed views of your spine and help with a diagnosis.
Diagnostic Injections
Sometimes, diagnostic injections are used instead of (or in addition to) diagnostic imaging. Some options include:
- Nerve block injections
- Facet joint injections
- Sacroiliac joint injections
If a physician believes that a specific spinal nerve or joint is the cause of your pain, an injection may be used to provide confirmation. These procedures involve the injection of a fast-acting numbing agent directly into the nerve or joint in question. If this immediately relieves your pain, the targeted nerve is likely the cause.
Once you have an official back pain diagnosis, you can get started with treatment. Therapeutic injections, medications, physical therapy, and controlled exercises are all potential options. Surgery may be an option as well, although it is not necessary in every situation. Often, conservative therapies are the first to be recommended after a back pain diagnosis, with surgery served as a last resort.
While back pain can sometimes go away on its own, it’s best to consult with a physician if you experience discomfort for several consecutive days. Delaying a diagnosis and treatment can allow the pain to worsen, so it is important to promptly seek medical attention in order to help you find the relief you need and deserve.
BEST Health System
If you are looking for a back pain diagnosis and want to learn more about potential conditions that may be causing it, contact BEST Health System today. Our experienced team is dedicated to patient education to ensure you are involved in your treatment process. Don’t wait to seek relief – the BEST is yet to come.
