When you have back pain or a suspected spinal problem, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical exam, review your medical history and get a history of your pain. Problems in the back and spine can range from temporary sciatica to structural problems with your discs and nerves, so it’s important to pinpoint the cause.

Depending on what your doctor finds, you may referred for additional evaluation and tests. Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento doctors use the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment to determine the source, cause and extent of your injury or condition.

To diagnosis your condition, a back and spine expert may also perform:

• Mobility tests.
• Diagnostic imaging, including upper and lower spine MRIs and CT scans.
• Laboratory tests.
• Biopsy of bone or spinal tissue.
• Electrodiagnostic testing to assess the speed and degree of electrical activity in your muscles and nerves.