How do you test for chronic back pain?
How do you test for chronic 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.
Do you need an X-ray for low back pain?
The reality is that there is rarely a serious cause of low back pain, even when symptoms are severe. That said, your doctor might decide that an X-ray or MRI of your lower back could be helpful in your evaluation. Professional societies have recommended that imaging studies should not be obtained in the early stages of typical low back pain.
When to use magnetic resonance imaging for low back pain?
J Occup Environ Med. 2010;52:900-907. Jarvik JG, Hollingworth W, Martin B, et al. Rapid magnetic resonance imaging vs radiographs for patients with low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2003;289;2810-2818.
What happens when you have a CT scan of your lower back?
That’s especially worrisome to men and women of childbearing age, because x-rays and CT scans of the lower back can expose testicles and ovaries to radiation. Furthermore, the tests often reveal spinal abnormalities that could be completely unrelated to the pain.
When to see a doctor for low back pain?
(Red flags include, but are not limited to, severe or progressive neurological deficits or when serious underlying conditions such as osteomyelitis are suspected.) Low back pain is the fifth most common reason for all physician visits. Imaging of the lower spine before six weeks does not improve outcomes, but does increase costs.
What causes chronic pain in lower back?
Chronic pain in the low back often involves a disc problem, a joint problem, and/or an irritated nerve root. Common causes include: Lumbar herniated disc. The jelly-like center of a lumbar disc can break through the tough outer layer and irritate a nearby nerve root.
Why does lower back hurt?
Postural stress is the most common cause of lower back pain. Generally, when you’re standing and walking, the increased pressure on your spine can make the lower back muscles tighten and spasm, leading to pain. Some specific causes of lower back pain include: sprains from stretched ligaments.
What is the best treatment for back injuries?
Massage therapy. Applied to the low back, massage therapy can relieve the muscle spasms that usually contribute to low back pain. Massage also increases blood flow to the low back, which speeds up healing by bringing nutrients and oxygen to damaged muscles.
Why does my Back Hurt lying on a flat surface?
But there are some common reasons to experience pain when lying flat. One common reason people feel pain in their back when they lay down is a general misalignment of their spine. The facets of their joints don’t line up properly. Usually it’s an issue of chronic bad posture .