Diagnosis | Lumbar spine syndrome

Diagnosis

Since the lumbar spine syndrome does not describe a disease in itself, the possibilities for diagnosis are also very different. Lumbar spine syndrome is the localized pain in the lumbar spine, which can have a variety of causes. The specific anamnesis of the pain can limit the possibility of the causes many times over.

Here, the physician asks exactly about the location, duration and type of pain but also whether the pain changes in different situations. If the pain is dependent on movement and causes a restriction of movement, the most obvious cause is muscle tension in the lower back. The question of occupation and everyday life can be further indications.

Even a physical examination reveals incorrect posture, which often indicates a long-standing problem. These include hollow backs or lateral curvatures of the spine. If the problem is muscular, this can also be determined by palpating the back muscles.

In this case, these are hardened and sensitive to pressure. If the patient names an exact event, for example an accident, as the cause of the pain he or she is experiencing, muscular problems are less likely to occur. If a neurological examination reveals involvement of the spinal nerves, or if the accident occurred during deep bending or heavy lifting, diagnostic equipment should be used.

These include X-rays, CT and MRI of the lumbar spine images. There is a suspected diagnosis of a herniated intervertebral disc or herniated disc of the lumbar spine. In severe cases, acute paralysis can occur with nerve involvement.

The diagnosis must be confirmed quickly, with MRI being the first choice. An X-ray image shows mainly bony structures well, whereas the MRI can show soft tissue in particular in detail.On the MRI image, the doctor can then assess the shape and damage to the intervertebral disc and the direction in which the damage can spread. Based on this assessment of the image, which is very detailed compared to the other diagnostic options, the physician can plan a targeted therapy.

Even in the rather rare case of a tumor causing back pain, the diagnosis can be made by means of an MRI image. In extremely rare cases, Lyme disease or herpes infections can cause similar pain. If nothing is visible on the MRI image, such pathogens can be detected by a blood test.