| In the first part of this article, X-ray imaging, | | | | muscles. EMG helps to detect if there were problems |
| Computerized Tomography (CT) and Discography | | | | with the nerves, which results in back pain. |
| were identified as some diagnostic methods used in | | | | 3. Bone Scan - This is a procedure in which radioactive |
| identifying the cause of low back pain in the body. In | | | | substances are injected into the body so that they will |
| this second part, you are going to know of more | | | | collect in the bones, which are considered abnormal. |
| methods or procedures. | | | | Scanner-generated images are then used to detect |
| 1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - This procedure | | | | abnormal flow of blood in the bones or irregular bone |
| is applied to evaluate if there were diseases in the | | | | metabolism. On the average, bone scans are used to |
| muscles, nerves, blood vessels or ligaments of the | | | | monitor fractures, infections, or any kind of disorders |
| back. MRI is also used to identify bone degeneration in | | | | that affect the bones in the lower back. |
| any particular lumbar region. | | | | 4. Thermography - This method involves the use of |
| The procedure involves the use of equipment, which | | | | infrared sensors to measure changes in temperature |
| will scan the body and according to Wikipedia, "it uses | | | | between specific organs in the body. Nerve root |
| powerful magnetic field to align the nuclear | | | | compression in the back is equally identified with this |
| magnetization of (usually) hydrogen atoms in water in | | | | procedure. |
| the body". Soft tissues, bones and fluid filled spaces | | | | 5. Ultrasound Imaging - This is the use of high |
| are usually differentiated in this procedure. MRI is | | | | frequency sound waves to get the images within the |
| recommended when the back pain condition requires | | | | body. It shows the tendons, ligaments, muscles and |
| urgent surgery. It is as well as a non-invasive method. | | | | other soft tissues inside the body. This is usually |
| 2. Electro diagnostic Procedures - These are | | | | recommended for diagnosing back pain. |
| diagnostic methods that may include - evoked potential | | | | These are some of the popular diagnostic methods |
| (EP) studies, Nerve conduction studies and | | | | that your doctor can recommend for you as a |
| Electromyography (EMG). EP studies involve the | | | | process of identifying causes of low back pain. Ensure |
| stimulation of the sensory nerves and identify the | | | | that you get details from the physician if any of them |
| speed of which it is transmitted to the brain. Nerve | | | | are recommended for you. |
| condition studies stimulate the nerve on the skin of the | | | | |