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Back & Neck Pain Blog

By Anne Asher, About.com Guide to Back & Neck Pain since 2005

Getting a Diagnosis for Back Pain

Thursday May 17, 2007
Diagnosis for back pain is usually made after a doctor takes a medical history, gives a physical exam, and sometimes uses additional imaging and lab tests.

It is important to realize that diagnosis will probably not directly reveal the cause of back or neck pain. Learn about how doctors diagnose back pain, and about the role of technology in the process.

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Comments

May 17, 2007 at 6:46 pm
(1) Dr Eben Davis says:

It is very difficult to diagnose some chronic back pain patients. Even if the MRI is positive it does not necessarily meant that the herniated disc or stenosis is causing the pain. I feel we need to do more than just address the mechanical issues. There is great progress being made in the field Mind-Body Medicine. There is also great evidence that is linking inflammation from a diet rich in animal foods as a primary cause of back pain. Everything should be considered.

May 17, 2007 at 7:20 pm
(2) backandneck says:

Excellent comment. Thank you!

Anne

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