Patients complaining of lower back pain are first suggested to undergo a series of tests as a pre-requisite of every hospital before the doctors can diagnose or prescribe treatment. The routine tests include x-rays, CT scans and MRIs.
According to the American College of Physicians, those tests are unnecessary.
Aside from the increased cost it would bring to the patient’s bill, those tests may also harm the patient.
Causes of lower back pain may include strain or sprain on the musculoskeletal system within the body. Some may stem on the bones, ligaments, and joints. The pain may arise when the back is being overused or has been overworked physically. This can be treated with over-the-counter pain killer drugs and rest. It will usually subside after just a few days.
While patients with chronic back pain may not notice the quick benefits of simple OTC medicine and rest, additional treatment may be required, but in many cases, high-radiation scans are unnecessary.