If you’ve ever experienced back pain, you’ll know how debilitating it can be. Your main goal is finding out what’s causing it so you can determine the best treatment options and get your life back on track.
However, it’s not always easy to know when you should stop putting up with the pain and start exploring diagnostic imaging to experience relief. If you relate to the following signs, that time is now:
You’ve Had a Thorough Clinical Evaluation
There can be so many causes of acute back pain that it’s not always easy to know whether it will improve on its own or require further treatment. That’s why having a thorough clinical evaluation with a healthcare professional is so crucial.
They will assess your back and recommend rest, activity modification, physical therapy, or NSAIDs, depending on the possible cause and seriousness. In most instances, diagnostic imaging is not initially required.
There Are Red Flags
Not all forms of back pain resolve with time and pain medication, nor are all cases due to lifting something too heavy. If you relate to any of these ‘red flag’ symptoms, diagnostic imaging in the form of X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI should be considered right away:
- A possible fracture due to recent trauma or osteoporosis
- Fever, chills, IV drug use, immunosuppression, or a recent infection to indicate a possible new infection
- Unexplained weight loss, pain while resting, unrelenting pain at night, and a history of cancer for possible malignancy
- Leg weakness or numbness in both legs, new incontinence or urinary retention, and saddle anesthesia to indicate cauda equina syndrome
- Morning stiffness and stiffness after rest to indicate an inflammatory disease
The Pain is Persistent or Progressive
Most people experience at least some relief after six weeks, especially if they have participated in the recommended care, such as physical therapy and rest. However, your healthcare professional may suggest diagnostic imaging if your pain has been persistent or progressive over that time period, despite your best efforts to alleviate it.
They may also recommend diagnostic imaging if you’re experiencing neurologic deficits that have changed or worsened, such as numbness, weakness, or reflex changes.
There Are Factors Relating to Recent Surgery, Injury, and Trauma
When you’ve had a recent injury, trauma, or surgery, diagnostic imaging can be helpful to rule out and diagnose a host of problems.
For example, imaging after a high-speed accident or a fall from a height can identify sources of significant trauma. If you’re experiencing pain after a recent spinal surgery, imaging can check for hardware issues and sources of infection.
There is also value in performing imaging if you have experienced chronic occupational strain, such as heavy lifting, and your symptoms don’t match those you’d expect from muscular pain.
Your Pain Patterns Are Atypical
If you’ve had back pain in the past, you’ll know what’s normal for you and what isn’t. Atypical pain patterns can be a leading reason why healthcare professionals would recommend diagnostic imaging. For example, an MRI could help distinguish between disc, joint, and muscle pain if your pain changes with posture.
Conservative Care Hasn’t Helped
Physical therapists and other healthcare professionals typically recommend conservative care, including anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle changes, ergonomic adjustments, and physical therapy.
With time and consistency, these changes and modifications can pay off and offer relief. However, that’s not everyone’s experience. In the event that conservative care hasn’t resulted in improvements, your chosen healthcare professional may recommend diagnostic imaging.
Request Diagnostic Imaging from Eclipse Clinic
If you’ve been experiencing back pain and would like to explore your diagnostic imaging options, the sports and rehabilitation experts at Eclipse Clinic in Waxahachie, Texas, are here to help.
We provide diagnostic imaging and tests to get to the bottom of your back pain and put you on the path to comfort and healing. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.