Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. Your doctor may prescribe imaging tests to look for broken bones or other injuries. Your provider will be able to examine clear images of your vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, and tendons thanks to these examinations.

Your provider may order:

• X-ray of the spine, which uses radiation to create images of the bones.
• MRI, which creates images of bones, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues using a magnet and radio waves.
• CT scan, which creates 3D images of bones and soft tissues using X-rays and a computer.
• Electromyography (EMG) is a test that checks nerves and muscles for neuropathy (nerve damage), which can cause tingling or numbness in the legs.

Your doctor may also request blood tests or urine tests, depending on the reason of your pain. Some back pain problems have genetic markers that can be detected through blood tests (such as ankylosing spondylitis). Kidney stones, which cause flank pain, are checked for using urine testing (the sides of the low back).