Radiological examinations for back pain
August 22, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Simon Kohlstein
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Björn Widmann and I have been suffering from severe lower back pain for some time now. The pain mainly occurs when sitting and standing and radiates down into my legs. I have already undergone several examinations with my general practitioner, but so far no specific causes for my symptoms have been found.
As the pain is getting worse and significantly impacting my daily life, I am searching for other possible causes and treatment options. My doctor has advised me to undergo a radiological examination to identify possible damage to the spine or other structures in the back.
I am very concerned about the cause of my back pain and how it can be best treated. Therefore, I would like to learn more about the various radiological examination methods for back pain. Which examinations are best suited to uncover possible damage or diseases in the back? How is the examination carried out and what can I expect? What treatment options are available to me if certain problems are diagnosed?
I would greatly appreciate your professional advice and support in finally receiving an accurate diagnosis of my back issues and starting appropriate therapy. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Björn Widmann
Dear Mr. Widmann,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expert advice. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe lower back pain and that no specific causes for your discomfort have been found so far. Back pain can have various causes, from muscular problems to structural damage in the spine or other structures in the back area.
Your family doctor has advised you to undergo a radiological examination to identify possible damage or conditions in the back area. Radiological examinations play an important role in diagnosing back problems as they allow for a detailed examination of the inside of the body. There are various radiological examination methods that can be used for diagnosing back issues.
One of the most common examination methods for back pain is X-ray imaging. X-rays are used to create images of the bones and joints in the back area. This examination can help identify bone fractures, spinal deformities, or arthritis.
Another commonly used examination method is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRI imaging creates detailed images of the soft tissues in the back, such as muscles, ligaments, and nerves. This examination is particularly useful for diagnosing disc herniation, tumors, or inflammations in the back area.
Another option is Computed Tomography (CT), which creates detailed cross-sectional images of the back using X-rays. CT can help evaluate bony structures and tissue changes accurately.
After the radiological examination, a radiologist will evaluate the images and make a diagnosis. Depending on the results of the examination, various treatment options are available. Treatment will depend on the cause of the back issues and can range from conservative measures such as physiotherapy, pain medication, and injections to surgical interventions.
I strongly recommend undergoing a radiological examination to identify the cause of your back pain and start appropriate treatment. Please discuss the different examination methods with your family doctor and, if necessary, get a referral to a radiologist.
I hope my information is helpful to you and wish you all the best on your journey to diagnose and treat your back issues.
Best regards,
Simon Kohlstein
