What is the Diagnosis of Back Pain?

Your doctor will recommend tests to diagnose the exact cause of your back pain after taking a complete history and physical examination. Some of the tests that may be done to diagnose back pain include:

Blood and urine tests

These are done to determine if there is an underlying disease or infection which is probably contributing to your back pain.

X-ray

X-ray is useful to show the alignment of your bones, changes of arthritis or broken bones. But problems of spinal cord, muscles, nerves or disks cannot be diagnosed on a X-ray.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or Computerised Tomography (CT) scans

These scans can help to diagnose herniated disks or problems with bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels.

Bone scan

If your doctor suspects bone tumors or compression fractures caused by osteoporosis bone scan may be done.

Nerve studies (electromyography, or EMG)

This test assesses the response of your muscle to electrical impulses produced by the nerves. These studies can help confirm nerve compression due to herniated disks or narrowing of your spinal canal (spinal stenosis).

The tests help to determine the cause of pain (that is the problem with disks, bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels). Your doctor will recommend tests based on your signs and symptoms.

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