Category FAQs Search : Lower Back Pain
Question: How is lower back pain diagnosed?
Answer: Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and do a physical exam. Your provider may recommend a variety of tests to check your spine for injuries and assess your health in other ways. Tests may include:
1. Spine X-ray: This test uses radiation to produce images of your bones.
2. MRI: This test uses a magnet and radio waves to create pictures of your bones, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues.
3. CT scan: This test uses X-rays and a computer to create 3D images of your bones and soft tissues.
4. Electromyography (EMG): This test assesses the function of your nerves and muscles. It checks for neuropathy (nerve damage), which can cause pain, tingling and numbness.
5. Blood tests or urine tests: Blood tests can detect genetic markers for some conditions that cause back pain (like ankylosing spondylitis). Urine tests check for kidney stones, which cause pain in your flank (the sides of your lower back).
Because there are so many possible causes of low back pain, it may take time to find the correct diagnosis.
(Source: Cleveland Clinic, 31 Jan 2026)
Source Link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7936-lower-back-pain