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eLearning Series:
Relieve My Back Pain NOW!
( 23 pages )
METHODS
OF BACK PAIN DIAGNOSIS
In order to diagnose
back pain for relief treatments, generally health care professional
begin by ordering a medical history
and physical examination. A look at each of these in depth
can shed some light into what to look for and how to find relief
from pain. Then we’ll look at specific diagnostic tests. And
then where to go for the diagnosis and testing follows.
No matter
whether the patient has acute back pain, which is what
most have and recover from with around a 4-week period,
or chronic, recurring pain episodes, a medical history helps
patient an doctor become familiar with one another in confidence
to begin or continue a treatment program together. The medical
history delves into these areas of the person seeking pain
relief: family medical history and personal and work history
with regards to back pain episodes and related symptoms and
issues, psychological and psychosocial factors, referral
source(s) for evaluation and treatment, education on the
subject and
treatment options, assessment throughout their working together
on pain relief treatment and treatment outcomes. For example,
if physical therapy needs to be added to the regimen or enhanced,
it would be discussed in the medical history and updated
as needed.
The medical history
incorporates past and present factors of fatigue, fever and
weight loss. And it notes any
use of
drugs
or herbs, minerals and supplements. A history of past and
present infections, cancer or other conditions is also
noted.
The history also
includes details about the back pain, focusing on the many
facets of the pain: information about
any initial
injury or trauma, if available, onset, intensity, duration,
location, associated symptoms, etc.
The physical examination
includes evaluating the person generally inn the “hospital
gown” with the body and especially
the
back in a variety of postures and movement ranges to
determine pain
symptoms, tenderness and range of motion. So the patient
may need to sit, stand, touch toes, move arms, etc.
and share any
pain symptoms or other information notated with each
change along the way.
Neurological testing
can also be a part of the routine. A neurologic screening
may consist
of tests for reflexes,
strength
of muscles,
cramping and a detailed look at sensory issues via
various range of motion and movement exercises. Included
in this
can be an assessment of the legs, upper leg, hip
and groin area
and pulses for neurological and vascular conditions.
Results may point
to a secondary problem like kidney stones or a slight bone
fracture, for instance, in
which cases,
further assessment and treatment options would
be considered and discussed
in both the medical history and physical examination.
Noteworthy is
that patients seeking relief after an extended period can
tend to exaggerate or magnify
their
symptoms
out of a variety of reasons; possibly psychological
factors associated
with fear of the unknown, change, coping alternatives,
insurance coverage and treatment costs, previous
visits with health
care providers, etc. So education and patience
is advised to that
all bases can be covered, i.e. so that effective
pain relief remedies can be determined.
Diagnostic
Testing
For back pain
relief, any of several tests can be performed; x-rays or
radiographs, isotope
bone scan
(referred
to as technetium and SPECT), magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI),
computerized
axial tomography (CAT) scan, myelogram, blood
and nerve tests and injections.
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