Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, yet it can be one of the most difficult conditions to diagnose. That’s because back pain isn’t a diagnosis itself—it’s a symptom. The root cause can stem from a wide range of issues, including muscle strain, disc problems, spinal misalignment, arthritis, or even referred pain from other parts of the body. If you’ve been living with persistent or severe back pain, visiting a back pain doctor can help you finally get the answers and relief you need.
Here’s how a back pain doctor goes about diagnosing the true source of your discomfort.
Detailed Medical History
The first step in diagnosing back pain is taking a thorough medical history. The doctor will ask you about your current symptoms—where the pain is located, when it started, what it feels like, and whether certain movements or positions make it better or worse. They’ll also inquire about your overall health, past injuries, surgeries, activity level, and family medical history.
This conversation provides critical context. For example, pain that radiates down the leg may indicate a nerve issue like sciatica, while stiffness and inflammation might point to arthritis or spinal degeneration.
Physical Examination
Your doctor will perform a physical examination. This step involves testing your posture, range of motion, reflexes, muscle strength, and flexibility. The doctor may also gently palpate (press) areas along your spine and back muscles to identify tenderness, tension, or abnormalities.
They’ll watch for signs of neurological involvement—such as numbness, tingling, or weakness—that may signal nerve compression or damage. As our friends at AmeriWell Clinics can attest, this hands-on assessment helps narrow down the possible causes of your back pain.
Diagnostic Imaging Tests
If more information is needed, your doctor may order imaging studies to get a clearer look at the structures inside your back. Common tests include:
- X-rays – Useful for detecting bone problems like fractures, arthritis, or spinal misalignment.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Offers detailed images of soft tissues, including discs, muscles, and nerves.
- CT scans – Provide cross-sectional images to evaluate complex or unclear issues.
- Bone scans – Sometimes used if cancer or infection is suspected.
These tools are especially valuable when symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, are severe, or do not improve with conservative treatment.
Specialized Testing
In some cases, further testing may be required. For example:
- Nerve conduction studies or EMG (electromyography) may be used to assess nerve function.
- Discography may help identify whether a specific disc is the source of pain.
- Diagnostic injections, such as a nerve block, can help confirm which part of the spine is causing the problem.
These tests are typically recommended only when the diagnosis is uncertain or if surgery is being considered.
Accurately diagnosing the source of back pain is key to creating an effective treatment plan. A back pain doctor doesn’t just treat symptoms—they look for the root cause and tailor treatment to your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals. Whether your pain stems from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or muscular imbalance, getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward long-lasting relief.
If you’re struggling with back pain and unsure of the cause, don’t wait any longer. Schedule a consultation with a back pain specialist today.