Lower Back Pain

More of this Feature • Part 1: Causes • Part 2: Symptoms • Part 4: Treatments • Part 5: Prevention Take Our Poll Have you experienced lower back pain? Related Resources • Backache Resource Center • Questions to Ask Before Surgery • What to Do When Your Back Is In Pain From Other Guides • Strengthen Your Core - Back Pain • Save Your Back

• MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Developed in the 1980's, MRI is now considered the, by most, the best imaging study of the spine. Low back pain patients who also have bowel or bladder incontinence, or progressive weakness in the legs, need an MRI immediately.
  
• If a GYN problem is thought to be the cause of lower back pain, an ultrasound or laparoscopy may be indicated.
  
• X-rays may be used to detect abnormal spine structure, as well as tumors, instability, and fractures.
  
• CT scans are a step up from an x-ray providing a very detailed look at cross section images of the body. CT scans also are useful for detecting conditions such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Unfortunately, not all people with lower back pain will get a definitive diagnosis despite numerous diagnostic tests. However, this does not mean that their lower back pain is not real. If no cause for lower back pain is found a pain management specialist should be consulted.

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~ Tracee Cornforth

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