The Difference between a Sign and a Symptom of Back Pain

Signs and symptoms are words that sound alike and often describe the same condition or injury. But they have a clear and necessary distinction. This article focuses on the distinction -- by knowing the difference between a sign and a symptom, your communication with your health care professionals may proceed more smoothly.

Current Status

The distinction between a sign and a symptom lies the the subjectivity and objectivity of determining the presence of back and neck pain.

What's all the Fuss About?

The distinction between the meaning of 'sign' and 'symptom' is one that can justify (or not) lengthy bouts of diagnostic testing. Also, when muddled, this distinction can cloud communication between the back and neck pain sufferer and those who provide care for them.