How to Diagnose Lower Back Joint Disease

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Note the location of pain.

   Pain is often the most noticeable symptom of joint disease.
   
   If you suffer from degenerative joint disease in your lower back, you may notice pain in any of the following areas:
   In the back In the buttock Radiating down the back of the leg
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   Step 2: Pay attention to your mobility.

   Degenerative joint disease can affect the function of the joint, in addition to causing pain.
   
   If you have this condition, you may notice a number of changes in the way you are able to move your body.You may experience pain when moving, so sitting may be more comfortable than standing.
   
   You may not be able to bend or twist your spine the same way you used to.
   
   You may find that your body is very stiff and rigid, especially after you have rested.
   
   Your legs may feel weak, which can make moving more difficult., Degenerative joint disease sometimes causes noticeable changes in the appearance of the body, although the changes may be subtle.
   
   Pay close attention to your body and make note of any changes you observe.You may have visible swelling in the affected area.
   
   The normal curve of your spine may change or even disappear. , Some people who have degenerative joint disease of the spine experience an audible cracking or crunching of the joints.
   
   If you hear these kinds of sounds, it may be caused by your bones rubbing against each other due to a lack of cartilage., Some people who suffer from degenerative joint disease experience muscle spasms.
   
   These may be uncomfortable and may force you to change your sitting position., There are a variety of different conditions that can cause symptoms like back pain, numbness and weakness.
   
   You may be able to rule out degenerative joint disease if you experience certain symptoms that are indicative of other conditions.
   
   If the skin around the affected area is red or feels hot, you are more likely suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.If you felt a popping sensation before you began experiencing pain, you are more likely suffering from sciatica.If you experienced trauma of any kind, you may have an acute injury to your spine, such as a fracture. , While degenerative joint disease can happen to anyone, it is much more common in older individuals, as the body's cartilage tends to degrade over a long period of time.
   
   Joint degeneration is also much more common in individuals with a history of the following:
   Obesity Compromised immune system Malnutrition Congenital joint disorders Prolonged abuse of joints (from poor posture, sports, or work-related activities) , If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.
   
   Only a doctor can determine if your symptoms are indeed being caused by degenerative joint disease of the lower back.Your visit will likely include a physical examination and a review or your medical history.
   
   Your doctor may want to do blood tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as infection. , Sometimes, doctors must manipulate the body in order to diagnose a problem.
   
   Doctors use specific tests that have been designed to isolate certain joints.
   
   While these tests may be a bit uncomfortable, they should not cause any further damage to your joints.For example, the FABER test, which doctors perform by rotating the hip externally while the patient is lying supine, is excellent for identifying joint disease in the sacroiliac joint, which is located between the spine and the pelvis. , One of the first tests your doctor will likely order is an x-ray.
   
   This can help reveal any abnormalities that involve the bone, including fractures or growths.Bone spurs are a common complication of degenerative joint disease, and these will be visible on an x-ray.
   
   However, keep in mind that degenerative changes on an x-ray do not automatically mean that your pain is because of these degenerative changes.
   
   Approximately 90 percent of people over the age of 64 have degenerative changes, which indicates that degenerative changes are a part of ageing., While x-rays are helpful for seeing what is happening with the bone, they do not show soft tissue.
   
   Your doctor may order an MRI in addition to or instead of an x-ray.
   
   This test will help reveal abnormalities in the discs and nerve roots.
   
   While x-rays use radiation to produce images, MRIs use magnetic force. , While x-rays and MRIs are the most common imaging tests used to diagnose lower back pain, there are a variety of other tests that your doctor may want to perform.
   
   Additional tests are particularly likely if your x-ray and/or MRI fail to reveal the source of your symptoms.CT scans are used to create three-dimensional images of your spine, including soft tissue.
   
   Myelograms enhance traditional x-rays or CT scans by using an injectable dye to increase contrast.
   
   EMGs use small needles to measure electrical activity in the muscles, which helps doctors diagnose nerve damage.
   
   Bone scans use a small amount of injectable radioactive material and a scanner to take images of the bones, which helps doctors assess the extent of a patient's joint disease. , Your doctor may inject a numbing medication into one of your joints in order to determine definitively which joint is causing your symptoms.
   
   This is especially helpful if other tests have been inconclusive or if there are multiple possible causes of your pain.This test works by temporarily relieving your pain.
   
   If you get effective pain relief, the offending joint has been identified.
   
   If you do not get pain relief, your problem is being caused by a different joint. , Once your condition has been diagnosed, you can work with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
   
   There are a variety of treatments available to help patients with degenerative joint disease, and the right one for you will depend on the severity of your condition, your medical history, and many other factors.Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasms.
   
   Your doctor may recommend that you receive treatment from a chiropractor or physical therapist.
   
   You may be given a TENS device, which attaches to the skin and provides electrical stimulation that can block pain.
   
   Alternative pain management options, such as acupuncture and biofeedback, may also be available.
   
   Your doctor may recommend that you have injections to reduce your pain.
   
   Epidural steroid injections are commonly used for temporary relief, and nerve block therapies may provide more permanent relief.
   
   Your doctor may also recommend an exercise program, most likely through a physical therapist.
   
   An exercise program can help to strengthen and increase the flexibility of the muscles around your back joints, which may help to reduce pain and discomfort.
   
   It may take several weeks for you to see any effect from these exercises, so try to be patient.
   
   If no other treatment methods are successful, your doctor may recommend that you have back surgery.
   
   There are a variety of different procedures that can be performed, depending on the exact source of your pain.
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   Step 3: Look for changes in appearance.

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   Step 4: Listen for new sounds.

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   Step 5: Be aware of spasms.

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   Step 6: Know what symptoms may indicate a different condition.

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   Step 7: Understand the risk factors.

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   Step 8: See your doctor.

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   Step 9: Undergo manipulation tests.

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    Step 10: Get an x-ray.

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    Step 11: Get an MRI.

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    Step 12: Be prepared for other imaging tests.

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    Step 13: Have an injection test.

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    Step 14: Get treated.

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