What Diagnostic Tests Are Used for Back Pain?

Many medical visits involve back pain complaints, but diagnosing the underlying cause requires more than just describing symptoms. Diagnostic testing serves a crucial function in discovering the fundamental cause of pain and determining suitable treatment options. 

Our team at Pain & Spine Physicians of San Antonio employs advanced imaging and diagnostic equipment to develop precise treatment plans for long-term relief. Our pain treatment specialists can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation for your persistent or severe back pain. 

Call us today at 210-634-1232 to schedule a consultation.

What Are the First Steps in Diagnosing Back Pain?

The initial phase of diagnosis requires a comprehensive medical history evaluation and physical examination. Your provider will request details about the location, duration, and intensity of your pain, as well as information about any previous injuries or surgeries and existing health conditions. 

The process identifies if the pain likely stems from muscular issues, skeletal problems, nerve involvement, or an underlying medical condition. The medical assessment includes evaluations of your spine alignment, body posture, flexibility, range of motion, and reflex responses. This hands-on assessment provides valuable insight and helps determine the best course of treatment.

When Are Imaging Tests Used For Back Pain?

Imaging isn’t necessary for every back pain situation. Most guidelines suggest conservative treatment as the initial approach for back pain that is mild to moderate and persists for less than six weeks. 

Your specialists may recommend imaging if your pain is severe and persistent, or if you experience symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or bowel and bladder dysfunction. Diagnosing herniated discs, spinal stenosis, fractures, tumors, or infections often requires imaging to provide crucial insights.

What Is an X-Ray and When Is It Used?

X-rays are a common imaging tool for spine care. They are especially useful in identifying:

• Bone fractures
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal alignment issues
• Arthritis or bone spurs

What Does an MRI Show For Back Pain?

MRI technology generates precise images of the spinal soft tissues. This makes it ideal for detecting:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Spinal cord or nerve compression
• Inflammation 
• Infection
• Tumors 
• Abnormal growths

Unlike X-rays, MRIs do not use radiation. MRI scans are typically ordered for patients with symptoms related to nerve conditions, such as radiating leg pain or muscle weakness. MRI offers the highest level of accuracy for evaluating soft tissue damage in the spine.

What Other Tests Are Used?

Depending on the situation, several additional tests may be used to evaluate back pain. Some of these include:

• Discography. Used to pinpoint whether a specific spinal disc is the source of pain.
• EMG (electromyography). Measures the electrical activity of muscles.
• Nerve conduction study (NCS). Evaluates how well electrical signals travel through nerves.
• Blood test. Determines if an infection, inflammation, or other disorder may be contributing to the pain.

Diagnose Your Back Pain with Pain & Spine Physicians Today

It’s important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing chronic or mysterious back pain. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to identify the source of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan for lasting relief. 

Schedule your evaluation to begin your journey to pain-free living by calling 210-634-1232 today.