Why is a diagnosis of lower back pain important?
Why is a diagnosis of lower back pain important?
For subacute and chronic lower back pain, a thorough diagnosis is important to lay the foundation for appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Lower back pain treatment reduces the likelihood of recurrent back pain flare-ups and helps prevent the development of chronic lower back pain.
What should I do if I have chronic back pain?
Do not sit or lie down for long periods. This could make your back pain worse. Yoga or similar gentle movements may help relieve pain and tension in your back. Go slowly and do not strain your back as you do any movement. Be careful when you lift heavy objects. Do not lift anything heavy until your pain is gone.
How can a doctor tell if you have back pain?
Diagnosis. They can also help rule out more-serious causes of 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.
When to treat subacute and chronic lower back pain?
When this happens, the primary focus is on treating the symptoms (rather than the cause of the symptoms) and the patient’s overall health. For subacute and chronic lower back pain, a thorough diagnosis is important to lay the foundation for appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
What does “chronic back pain” actually mean?
Chronic back pain is back pain that lasts 3 months or longer. This may include pain that has not been controlled or does not improve with treatment. Your back pain may cause weakness or pain that spreads to your arms or legs.
What is the treatment for chronic back pain?
The best treatment for chronic back pain is physical therapy. Doctors tend to prescribe this type of treatment first. You’ll be under the guidance of a spine physical therapist who will guide you through a set of exercises.
How your doctor diagnoses back pain?
- fractures or degeneration of the spine
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: Uses X-ray and computers to give a more detailed view of the spine
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Allows the physician to see bone as well as soft tissue
- using a contrast solution to show pressure areas
What are symptoms of chronic back pain?
Chronic low back pain’s intensity can vary from mild and hardly noticeable to extreme and debilitating. Symptoms depend on the cause, but generally include muscle pain and spasms, morning stiffness, difficulty standing after sitting for a while, and tenderness in your lower back.