Diagnosing Back & Neck Pain

Diagnostic procedures are used to accurately identify the causes of chronic cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine pain. Typically, the diagnostics consist of correlating diagnostic tests, like an MRI, with a patient's symptoms and a physical examination. For chronic cases of back and neck pain, Atlantic Spine Center will use one or more types of diagnostic procedures to confirm a diagnosis.

Usually, collecting medical history is the first thing performed by a doctor. It helps with understanding the symptoms and possible causes. The information should be provided in detail, as it can be really important, the beginning and intensity of pain matter, as well as the type of pain. If you had any traumas or experienced back or neck pain before, you should inform your doctor.

After gathering a medical history, a doctor performs a physical examination to narrow down the possible causes of pain. Such an exam may include palpation, strength and sensation testing, reflex and movement tests.

Neck Pain Diagnosis and Tests

Neck pain can be a sign of many conditions, including nerve damage. The cause of your pain may be not clear, so a thorough round of tests is needed. Among the possible tests are X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging, MRI helps identify a herniated disc and a pinched nerve. Computed tomography scan targets the spinal canal and bones, while myelogram and electromyogram focus more on nerve roots and blocks.

Back Pain Diagnosis and Tests

X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scan, myelogram and electromyogram can also be performed to determine a back pain diagnosis. But in this case, your doctor can also suggest a blood test as well as nerve studies.