Common Diagnostic Tests for Lower Back Pain
To diagnose lower back pain accurately, we use various tests to assess different structures within your back. Alongside a comprehensive medical history and physical exam, here are some of the most commonly used diagnostic tests:
- X-rays: X-rays create images of the bones in your spine, helping detect fractures or other bone issues.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasounds generate sound waves that form images of muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan offers detailed images, useful for examining bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI offers superior soft tissue imaging. It creates clear images of spinal discs, nerves, and muscles.
- Bone Scan: This scan detects any changes in bone, helpful for spotting problems such as osteoporotic fractures or infections.
These tests allow us to understand what’s happening in your lower back fully. However, there may be times when you need another diagnostic procedure to get to the bottom of your pain.
Specialized Diagnostic Procedures
When imaging isn’t enough, more specialized options exist to diagnose specific issues within your spine. Some of these include:
Discography
This procedure may help detect the cause of lower back pain when imaging or other tests don’t provide answers. We may perform this procedure if we suspect a disc is the source of pain. A discography involves injecting a contrast dye into spinal discs. Then, the discs are easier to view under X-ray or CT scan.
Electromyogram (EMG)
EMGs record the electrical activity of your muscles during contractions and when at rest. This helps detect nerve problems, muscle damage, and nerve-muscle connection issues. This test is commonly used to diagnose conditions that impact the connection between nerves and muscles, like neuropathy or radiculopathy.
These tests can give us more targeted information about nerve function, disc issues, or potential lesions in your back.
Back Pain Diagnosis in Highland, Hobart, and Merrillville, IN
If you’re ready to find relief from lower back pain, our compassionate team at Bone & Joint Specialists is here to help. Call us at 219-795-3360 to make an appointment at our Highland, Hobart, or Merrillville offices, where we’ll work with you to find the right diagnosis and treatment for your lower back pain.
