SolveYourProblem eLearning Series:
Relieve My Back Pain NOW!
( 23 pages )

Methods Of Diagnosing Back Pain & Symptoms

In order to diagnose back pain, generally health care professionals begin by ordering a medical history and physical examination. A look at each of these in depth can shed some light onto what to look for and how to find relief from your pain.

No matter whether you have 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 you & your doctor become familiar with one another and begin a treatment program together. The medical history part delves into the following areas: family medical history, personal history 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 on pain relief treatment and treatment outcomes. For example, if physical therapy needs to be added to the regimen or enhanced, it will 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 you in 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 you 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 may 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 periods 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 so 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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