What Kind of Back Problem Do You Have?
How Do I Know What Kind of Back Problem I Have?
Unless you are totally immobilized from a back injury, your doctor probably
will examine your range of motion and nerve function and touch your body to
locate the area of discomfort.
Blood and urine tests may be done to determine if the pain is due to an
infection or other systemic problem.
X-rays are useful in pinpointing broken bones or other skeletal defects. They
can sometimes help locate problems in connective tissue. To analyze soft-tissue
damage, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be needed.
X-rays and imaging studies are generally used to confirm your symptoms and the
exam results to identify the source of pain. In cases of direct trauma to
the back, back
pain with fever, or weakness or numbness
in the limbs. To determine possible nerve or muscle damage, an electromyogram
(EMG) can be useful.
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