Medical Tests and Imaging Studies
Directing the appropriate care of a patient suffering from a spine condition requires making a correct diagnosis of the problem at hand. Although this may appear simplistic and self evident, the diagnosis of a spinal disorder can be a challenging undertaking. Identifying the source of pain or dysfunction in the setting of spinal pathology requires assembling information gathered from a patient's description of his/her problem, a good physical examination and proper medical tests. After collecting this information, placing it in context of the known natural progression of the disease/condition at hand, a treatment plan can be designed. It is thus evident that medical tests are crucial in establishing the proper diagnosis in a patient suffering from a spinal condition and in directing effective medical care.
One single medical test cannot offer all the necessary information needed to make a clear diagnosis of a spinal condition. Each test gives specific information that can help define the medical problem present. In most cases a physician will start with the most basic test and proceed to more sophisticated tests until a clear diagnosis has been made. Some of the common tests and imaging studies performed in evaluating spinal conditions include: X-Rays, Myelogram, CT Scan, Bone scan, Arteriogram, discogram, MRI, EMG, Sonogram, and Blood tests.Visit us at www.orthspine.com for more information.
