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How Are Spinal Problems Diagnosed?

Depending on the symptoms that a patient presents with and the variety of signs elicited on clinical examination your spine specialist may advise tests to arrive at a diagnosis. These investigations help in planning treatment. Some common tests performed are:

♦ X-rays: Plain X-rays can reveal narrowing of the space between two spinal bones, arthritis-like diseases, tumors, infections, narrowing of the spinal canal, fractures, and instability of the spinal column.
♦ MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-invasive procedure that can reveal the details of neural (nerve-related) elements, as well as problems with the tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.
♦ Myelography/CT scanning: This is sometimes used as an alternative to/ or in addition to the MRI.
♦ Electrodiagnostic Studies: Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV), MEP (Motor Evoke Potentials) & SSEP (Somato-sensory Evoke Potentials) are sometimes used to diagnose/ differentiate the neural cause of numbness, tingling & arm/ leg signs & symptoms.