Back Pain

Diagnostic Tests

Locating the cause of back pain

Diagnosing the cause of back pain is extremely difficult, simply because your backbone is such a complex structure. Likewise, getting an accurate diagnosis is also difficult, more so than for most other medical conditions.

Throughout the medical profession, there are many differing opinions on the diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions. While some conditions are relatively straightforward to diagnose, such as spinal fractures and tumors, diagnosis of other conditions proves to be more difficult.

Many spine specialists have their own preferred diagnostic methods. Unfortunately, the debate continues within the medical profession as to what constitutes the best definitive approach to diagnosing a spinal condition.

However, getting an accurate diagnosis is mandatory if you are to receive the correct treatment for your spinal condition. This is even more important when you realize how many different spinal conditions there are, and the number of different treatment programs available.

It is therefore in your best interests to get an accurate back pain diagnosis as soon as possible, in order to get the appropriate treatment program for your condition. The following information may help you to understand how the various practitioners arrive at their diagnosis for your back pain.

Back pain and spinal disorders - the jargon

Medical terminology (jargon) used by specialists when diagnosing spinal disorders is often confusing to the layman and may even be misleading. The same jargon even differs between practitioners. Sciatica, for example may be a symptom of a herniated or ruptured disc or even a pinched nerve. All of which are conditions of the lumber region of the spine, even so there is no agreed definition of these terms in the medical profession.

A classic example of this is the term, 'degenerative disc disease', which is not a disease at all. It is a physical condition caused by damage to a disc through ageing. It is a well known fact that as we get older our bones become brittle and hence more susceptible to damage (wear and tear). This is especially true of the spine, which has the task of supporting all of our body weight.

Looking for clues as to the cause of back pain

Using the latest technology (X-ray, MRI and CT scans) practitioners can examine the physical condition of the numerous vertebrae that make up our spine. In so doing they can visually locate any areas of damage. It's at this point that the medical jargon begins to emerge and is associated with the findings, such as herniated disc, pinched nerve, bulging disc and so on. However, this provides just one piece of diagnostic puzzle. In order to arrive at a true clinical diagnosis as to the cause of the back pain the practitioner will factor in the diagnostic test results together with the patient's symptoms and the results of a complete physical examination. Only then can a true and accurate diagnosis be given.

Diagnostic tests only reveal physical conditions

Diagnostic tests are many and varied and are especially useful in revealing the source and extent of a physical condition, such as a bulging or herniated disc. A brief overview of the three most common diagnostic tests is given below:

1. X-rays -reveal detailed bone structures of the spine, used to confirm conditions such as tumors and fractures and spondylolisthesis.
2. CT scans provide a more detailed visual image than an x-ray and are used to take cross sectional images of the body. They can be used to focus on specific conditions such as herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
3. MRI scans - Once a particular condition has been located using an X-ray or CT scan for example, an additional MRI scan may be used to zoom in (magnify) on the problem area. This enables the practitioner to examine the minute details of the condition and assess the gravity of the situation (prior to surgery, for example). This is especially useful when dealing with ageing bones and degenerative disc disease. It is also useful in locating any stress fractures associated with isthmic spondylolisthesis and conditions causing impingement of the nerve roots, such as for herniated discs, spinal stenosis.

Managing back pain

If you are still experiencing severe back pain and your practitioner is unable to find a reason for your condition, you need to manage your pain by other means. It's a good idea to enlist the help of a dedicated pain specialist or clinic that specialize in managing chronic back pain. These establishments not only provide medical treatment to manage pain but also provide support groups, exercise programs and counseling.

Conclusion

The human spine is complex in nature and as such there are still many more questions than answers relating to its structure and operation. The medical profession is constantly learning new things about our bodies in an effort to diagnose and cure (or prevent) various medial conditions. Despite these efforts there are many areas that are still not fully understood. It is therefore sensible to take a positive approach to obtain an accurate diagnosis and then to follow through with an appropriate treatment program that includes exercises and activities that you can do as an individual. Being proactive is the key!