Back Pain Diagnosis is not always Easy

Back pain diagnosis is not always easy as there can be many disparate reasons for backache, including injury, stress or as a symptom of a seemingly unrelated disorder.

A doctor will take into consideration the location of the pain, the type of pain (e.g., mild, dull, throbbing, sharp), the frequency of the pain and the events leading up to the onset of the pain.

Lower spinal pain, for instance, may be a consequence of a slipped disc or simply part of the menstrual process.

When there seems no obvious cause for spinal pain, a doctor may perform one of a number of pain diagnosis tests:

-- X-rays and CT scans provide details of the bone structures and can also be used to see if there are any tumors or fractures.

-- MRI scans provide details of the disc and nerves.

-- A discogram is an injection technique used to determine if a specific disc is generating pain.

It is not recommended you make your own back pain diagnosis, particularly if the symptoms have persisted for more than a few days without relief, but some forms of spinal pain are readily diagnosed at home.

--You may, for instance, be experiencing backache because you're pregnant, menstruating or have strained a muscle. Gentle exercise and a mild pain killer should have you on your feet in no time. A slipped disc, on the other hand, requires bed rest.

--Tightness in the middle spine is often caused by muscle strain. This may be a result of exercise or poor posture. Bed rest is often recommended followed by light exercise to stretch and strengthen the damaged muscle.

--Unable to stand or even move and experiencing pain in one particular spot? You may have lumbago. The pain will ease with time but a doctor can give you a pain killer.

--Sudden spinal pain after lifting a heavy weight or an awkward movement may indicate a slipped disc. A slipped disc may also result in sciatica as the disc presses on the sciatic nerve. Bed rest is the only answer.

--Do you have a tired back? This kind of dull backache is often caused by bad posture. If you're on your feet all day or sitting at a desk, make sure you stand up straight, wear the correct shoes and move around as often as you can.

--Having trouble breathing? When condition constricts your breathing you need to see a doctor immediately. This may be a symptom of disease.

-- Are you experiencing other symptoms? Pain when causing urine, for instance, on top of spinal pains could be a sign of a kidney disorder.

- Extreme pain on one side of the lower spine could be kidney stones and you'll need to see a doctor.

--A sharp, shooting pain starting in the spine and extending below the knee may be a herniated disk. Once again, you'll need to see a doctor.

If you have severe spinal pain, approach your doctor for professional back pain diagnosis.