Why You May Need Neurological Testing to Determine the Cause of Your Back Pain

Back pain can have many causes, but fortunately the tools are available to help pinpoint the root of your trouble.

At AllCare Chiropractic, our back pain experts offer advanced testing and drug-free methods to diagnose and treat your back pain efficiently. Read on to learn how neurological testing can help you get over your back pain and get back to normal.

Back pain 101

Your back consists of the spinal cord, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and discs. These systems support your daily activities, from walking and standing to sitting at your desk. When back pain occurs, it can stop you from performing as usual. 

Causes of back pain may include:

• Arthritis
• Improper form when exercising
• Sitting for prolonged periods
• Bending
• Falling
• Herniated discs
• Repetitive motions
• Poor posture
• Coughing
• Spinal stenosis
• Joint dysfunction
• Radiculopathy, or pinched nerves
• Automobile accidents
• Workplace injuries

Symptoms vary depending on the underlying reason for your back pain.

Symptoms of back pain

Back pain may feel like a dull ache, but it can also become a severe and sharp, stabbing pain that shoots from your back to your legs, feet, arms, and hands. In some cases, your sleeping position can impact the pain level you feel. You may also feel additional symptoms, such as:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Cramping

If you’re struggling to cope with back pain, it’s essential that you receive a thorough examination as soon as possible. An in-depth exam can help pinpoint the cause of your pain so you can get proper treatment right away.

What to expect during your appointment

At your appointment, we go over your medical history and ask about any accidents or other injuries that may have happened recently. We conduct an in-depth physical examination, including tests, to verify your range of motion and flexibility.

Neurological testing is helpful if you’re experiencing specific symptoms, including numbness or tingling, indicative of nerve damage. Testing can include motor, sensory, and reflex exams as well as electromyography (EMG).

We can use EMG to examine your muscles and nerve cells. Your EMG test may feature a nerve conduction study, where we apply electrode stickers to your skin to measure the speed and strength of the signals between your back muscles and nerves. 

If the results indicate problems with your nerves or muscles, it might explain your back pain and guide your treatment plan. Treatment for back pain can include:

• Rest
• Hot or cold therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Physiotherapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation

We can refer you to a surgical specialist if conservative treatments fail to solve your back pain. 

AllCare Chiropractic offers whole-person care for patients with back pain. If you’d like to benefit from drug-free treatment to help resolve your back pain as soon as possible, give our office a call today or use our convenient online booking tool to schedule your consultation.