As mentioned earlier, chronic low back pain is defined as back pain that lasts greater than three months. During the evaluation of chronic back pain, the goal is to rule out any injuries or disease processes that place the patient at risk of further injury if not treated or addressed. In addition, a specialist will consider diagnoses that can be treated in order to reduce the pain. A good patient history and a thorough physical examination by a well-trained physician are the most important aspects of the evaluation. Serious injuries and illnesses can often be diagnosed or ruled out based on the history and physical exam alone. Lack of a definite diagnosis does not necessarily mean more testing is needed. Needless tests do not add anything to what the physician has already discovered in his or her physical examination and review of previously performed studies and treatments. In fact, unnecessary testing is not only expensive to the patient, but can expose the patient to unnecessary risks or radiation.If the treating physician feels that more testing is needed based on the patient’s history and physical exam findings, he or she will discuss this with the patient. Testing may include blood tests, radiography (X-ray imaging), bone scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diagnostic injections, electromyography (EMG) and many other specialized tests.
Often, the exact cause of the pain is still not well defined at the end of the evaluation. Nevertheless an evaluation is successful if it has ruled out those processes that place the patient at risk if they are not treated.Reference information: http://www.knowyourback.org , www.ispine.com.hk
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your orthopedic doctors for diagnosis and treatment.
