Basic Ways to Diagnose and Treat Lower Back Pain

Low back pain is brought about by many possible causes. Its treatment usually involves the following:  medications; hot and cold packs;, enough rest; and, sufficient exercise. In order to fully treat a persistent and chronic back pain, it is also important that you know how this type of pain is diagnosed. The following diagnostic methods are employed to be able to identify the possible causes of a lower back pain: x-ray, discography, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, electrodiagnostic procedure, bone scan, thermography, and ultrasound imaging.

A comprehensive medical history and physical examination would aid in finding out the current health condition of an individual who is suffering from a persistent lower back pain. Let's find out below how this physical condition is being diagnosed and treated.

Diagnosis

Primarily, a patient submits for a physical checkup and other examinations to fully diagnose a lower back pain condition. The patient is asked to describe the extent of the pain including the duration of which the symptoms occur. Discussing any previous health condition that may have a connection with the pain is also necessary. Several diagnostic methods are utilized in order to give the best lower back pain treatment.

• x-ray - this is an imaging method that assists in figuring out the site of the pain as well as its cause.
• discography - this is done by injecting a contrast dye into the spinal disc. The spinal disc that might be the cause for the lower back pain.
• computerized tomography - is also called CT for short. This test is done when a disc rupture is suspected to be the cause for low back pain. This is a painless method and is a very quick process to undergo.
• magnetic resonance imaging - an MRI is utilized in evaluating the lumbar region.
• electrodiagnostic procedure - this procedure involves the following: EMG or electromyography,  EP evoked potential studies, and a study on the nerve conduction.
• bone scan - it is used for the diagnosis as well as for the proper monitoring of any possible infection, disorder or fracture in the bones.
• thermography - an infrared sensing device is used to come up with a measurement for any change in temperatures.
• ultrasound imaging - this is used to acquire images in the body. This is done with the use of high frequency sound.

Treatment

A patient should not necessarily undergo a surgery. One can simply submit to proper medication to aid in the reduction of inflammation; to help in the restoration of strength as well as of proper back function; and, to prevent the pain from recurring. Medications along with hot and cold packs, rest and exercise will certainly be sufficient to do the treatment.

Medications

A chronic and acute lower back pain would require some medications to provide pain relief effectively. There are over-the counter-drugs available for this type of pain. Although, a presciption drug is much better. Naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin are common over-the-counter drugs.

Hot and cold packs

These are useful in the reduction of pain and inflammation. Apply a cold pack for several days and then followed by a short period of hot packs.

Enough rest

It is recommended that you take some rest for one to two days. Any activity should be resumed right after your rest.

Sufficient exercise

This helps in the speedy recovery of low back pains. Walking, stretching, yoga and swimming are some forms of exercise you can perform.