It is important to understand that medical tests alone may not diagnose the cause of back pain. In fact, experts say that up to 90 percent of all MRI scans of the spine show some type of abnormality, and sometimes the x-rays and CT scans will show problems in people who do not have back pain. Similarly, even some healthy pain-free people can have elevated sed rates.
Only with a medical history and exam -- and sometimes, medical tests -- can a doctor diagnose the cause of back pain. In many cases, the precise cause of back pain is never known. In these cases, it may be comforting to know that most back pain gets better whether or not you find out what is causing it.
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