Making the Diagnosis
Your doctor may do one of the following tests for underlying medical problems:
- a back X-ray
- bone scans
- computed tomography (CT) scan, in which computers combine many pictures to show a very detailed view of the back
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a type of scan that uses electromagnetic waves to visualize soft tissue
X-rays can show problems with the vertebrae, but not with the soft tissues such as discs, ligaments, or muscles. Bone scans can help your doctor screen for abnormal areas, which are further investigated with other tests.
CT scans can diagnose arthritis and spinal stenosis and other bone changes, but not always a herniated disc. MRI can show soft tissue, including discs, nerves, the spinal cord, and tumors.