Question
Hello!

I'd like to know what kind of back problems can be hard to track and identify clearly?

Is there any back pain that moder medicine can't diagnose precisely?

Thank's in advance.

Answer
Hi Michael,

Thanks so much for your question.

There are very few back injuries that are undectable. Doctors are able to use various types of diagnostic tests such as CT scans, MRI, etc. to help pinpoint specific causes of back pain and prescribe treatment.

Here is a web page which describes the various types of diagnostic tests doctors use:

http://www.spineuniversity.com/public/spinesub.asp?id=66

Although, keep in mind, science is not perfect and there may be some back pain that doctors are unable to give a precise diagnosis. The pain may be caused by a strained muscle or slight nerve damage that won't show up on any tests. Please note, the nervous system is very complex and, though two people may experience the same type of pain with the same symptoms, the causes may be completely different.

I hope this helps and if you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask me anytime.

Thanks again,
John McKinzie