Overview:
Back pain is a common problem faced by many people these days. At the same time, back pain diagnosis is challenging as no actual protocol is followed to assess it correctly. In this blog, we’ll share the real reasons why back pain is hard to diagnose and how to get an accurate back pain evaluation.
Summary:
- Back pain is hard to diagnose as there is no specific protocol followed for its assessment or evaluation.
- The most common symptoms associated with back pain may include strain in the muscles and ligaments or bulging of the ruptured discs.
- The diagnosis of the root cause behind back pain needs to be carefully addressed as delay may lead to severity.
- Identifying the underlying cause can be complicated as there could be simultaneously many factors influencing pain in the back region.
- The outset and severity of pain can vary from patient-to-patient as the back pain may occur for many reasons.
Back Pain
There may be no actual cause behind back pain. The most common symptoms associated with back pain may include strain in the muscles and ligaments, arthritis, or bulging of the ruptured discs. Some of the common risk factors that may double the chance of developing pain in the back are:
- Aging.
- Obesity.
- Poor posture while sitting.
- Any existing spinal disorder or disease.
Major Reasons Why Is Back Pain Hard to Diagnose?
Pain in the lower back region is difficult to diagnose as no specific protocol is defined for its assessment. The diagnosis of the root cause behind back pain needs to be carefully addressed as delay may lead to severity.
Some of the most common reasons that may overall cause a significant delay in the process include:
- The identification of the affected region can be challenging.
- The diagnostic assessment of spinal disorders is limited.
- Incomplete information about the patient’s history.
- The experience and treatment of pain may differ from patient-to-patient.
- Lifestyle changes and habits.
1.The Identification of the Affected Region Can Be Challenging
There could be many potential reasons that may cause pain in your back. These reasons may include disruption in the anatomical structures of the spinal muscles or joints. Another reason that may result in the abnormal signaling of the pain symptoms to the brain can also cause back pain or occur in response to stressful conditions such as anxiety.
Identifying the underlying cause can be complicated as there could be simultaneously many factors influencing pain in the back region. For instance, it could be possible that a patient is suffering from pain due to spinal stenosis and simultaneously with a degenerated disc problem. The treatment plan for both would be different so figuring out the right condition is essential.
2.The Diagnostic Assessment of Spinal Disorders Is Limited
The diagnostic imaging tests are of negligible value as there is no individual test that can accurately diagnose the back pain. So, all these tests possess a limited value and may not deliver precise results. But your neuro specialist may identify the exact problem by carefully evaluating the symptoms.
3.Incomplete Information About the Patient’s History
The lack of complete information about the patient’s history can also be a reason behind the imprecise diagnosis of the back pain. So a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical information is necessary before opting for any treatment.
4.The Experience of Pain May Differ from Patient-To-Patient
The outset and severity of pain can vary from patient-to-patient as the back pain may occur due to many different reasons, and each patient may share a unique experience towards it. The medication and treatment options would also vary depending upon the subjective response of each patient towards pain.
5.Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes and habits may also be considered a pre-eminent factor contributing to back pain’s inaccurate diagnosis. These changes may include smoking, alcohol consumption, improper sleeping pattern, or stressful conditions.
For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, please consult with our fellowship-trained neurosurgeon at Complete Medical Wellness today.