Symptoms and Conditions of Back and Neck Pain
By Anne Asher, About.com Guide to Back & Neck Pain
The symptoms of back and neck pain are fairly obvious -- pain. But the subtle differences that come with the various causes of back pain help your doctor determine a diagnosis. Learn what goes into diagnosing your back or neck pain, how to effectively communicate your symptoms to your doctor, and what the common spinal conditions are.
- Seeing a Doctor for Back Pain
- Tests and Exams
- Common Symptoms of Back and Neck Pain
- Conditions & Injuries of the Spine
Seeing a Doctor for Back Pain
Most of the time back pain goes away by itself. However, there are a few signs that may indicate the need for a doctor's appointment or, in some cases, a trip to the emergency room. When in doubt, it is important to call your doctor. This section gives information for the times when it is appropriate to seek medical attention for your back or neck pain.
- Signs You Need Medical Attention For Your Back or Neck
- Types of Doctors Who Treat Back or Neck Pain
- Talking to Your Doctor About Your Symptoms
- Keep Track of Your Back or Neck Pain Symptoms
- Doctors Appointments by E-Mail
Tests and Exams
Tests and exams to find the cause of back pain can be scary, even painful. Understanding what they can and cannot do for you, and the reasons for which your doctor might suggest them may help you overcome your resistance to them.
- Diagnosing Back and Neck Pain
- Medical Histories, Exams, Imaging and Lab Tests
- Diagnostic Imaging Tests
- Palpation
- CT Scans - Computed Tomography
- Discograms
- Myelogram
- X-Ray
- Thermography
- The Positional - or Upright - MRI - A New Tool for an Old Question
- MR Neurography
- MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Common Symptoms of Back and Neck Pain
Symptoms of back or neck pain come in varying qualities and intensities. Each of the qualities means something about what is causing it - information about your symptoms is what the doctor uses when determining which tests to order and how to examine you.
- Different Types of Back Pain Mean Different Things
- What is a Symptom?
- What's the Difference Between a Sign and a Symptom?
- Pinched Nerve
- Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
- Symptoms of Sciatica - Pain Down the Leg
- Symptoms of Arthritis of the Neck - Cervical Spondylosis
- Whiplash
- Do You Have a Stiff Neck? Check Out the Symptoms of Meningitis.
- Inflammation
- Acute Low Back Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Trigger Points
Conditions & Injuries of the Spine
Back and neck problems range in intensity from mild, one-day affairs such as wry neck to experiences that change your life forever. This sections provides a reference to back and neck injuries and conditions.
