Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of history and physical examination.
Optional medical device diagnostics-depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics-for differential diagnosis.
- X-rays of the affected spinal segments, in two planes – if fractures (bone fractures) are suspected, etc.; if spondylolisthesis (spondylolisthesis) is suspected 45 ° lumbar spine oblique images.
- Computed tomography (CT; sectional imaging method (X-ray images from different directions with computer-based evaluation)) of the spine (spinal CT) – on suspicion of disc herniation, tumors, inflammation.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; computer-assisted cross-sectional imaging (using magnetic fields, that is, without X-rays)) of the spine (spinal MRI) – on suspicion of disc herniation, tumors, inflammation.
- Skeletal scintigraphy (nuclear medicine procedure that can represent functional changes in the skeletal system, in which regionally (locally) pathologically (pathologically) increased or decreased bone remodeling processes are present) – on suspicion of tumors / metastases or inflammatory processes.
- Myelography (radiological contrast imaging of the spine and the spinal canal / vertebral canal) – in unclear stenoses (narrowing).
- Electromyography (EMG; measurement of electrical muscle activity)/nerve conduction velocity (NLG; only positive after 14 days of latency!) – if nerve damage is suspected.
