How does the doctor diagnose back pain?

Your initial visit to the doctor will probably include the following:
An interview, during which you will be asked about the intensity and duration of your pain and what seemed to bring it on (for example, an accident, overdoing it, and so on).
An examination of your spine and legs to rule out any serious conditions, such as tumors, infections, or nerve problems that might be causing your pain.
Tests, such as a spinal X ray to look for evidence of arthritis or bone disease, a CT scan or an MRI to look for soft tissue damage, an EMG to look for nerve or muscle damage, or a bone scan to rule out osteoporosis.
An attempt to categorize the cause of your back pain. Putting a name to the problem should at least give you and your doctor a place to begin. But be aware that it's entirely possible for your test results to look normal while your back pain lingers on. Back pain can be extremely difficult to diagnose correctly. In fact, you may never find out what's causing your problem.

Well, that's cheery news, isn't it? On the bright side, most back pain isn't serious and usually disappears within a few weeks at most, whether or not you seek medical attention. But since a few weeks with an aching back can feel like a few years, I've got a few suggestions to help you make it through the tough recovery period