Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Ask an Expert
  • Chronic Back Pain Tests and Treatment
Content

Ask An Expert

Chronic Back Pain Tests and Treatment

Arfan Din

Arfan Din, D.O.

Sutter Medical Foundation

Sutter Davis Hospital

Question:

I've been suffering from lower back pain for two years. I've had an MRI, ultrasounds and x-rays, but they can't find anything wrong. However I still have constant pain. What other tests can be done to find the reason for my pain?

Answer:

Back pain can generally be divided into two categories:

Acute (less than four weeks duration)

Chronic (greater than four weeks duration)

Acute back pain is very common and is one of the top reasons that patients seek care from their primary care physician. About 90 percent of the adult population will suffer from back pain in their lifetime, so it's good to know some facts about this condition.

A visit to your doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist or acupuncturist can all be helpful in acute back pain. In the majority of these cases, the back pain improves regardless of the treatment used. Most of these cases will resolve in four to six weeks.

Unfortunately, chronic back pain is more complicated, as there can be many different and overlapping reasons for back pain. That is why there is not one single test or treatment that works for everyone.

In cases of chronic back pain, seeing a back pain specialist, sports medicine physician, spine orthopedist, neurologist, or neurosurgeon is best. They can best sort out the next step in determining the cause and ultimate options that might help. In some cases there is no cure to chronic back pain, but there are treatment options that can help improve your quality of life.

Related Questions

Question
  • Toenail Fungus Treatment
    I have a yellow discoloration on most of my toenails. I've tried a few over-the-counter creams, but they did not work. Any suggestions? What is your opinion of laser treatments for this problem?
  • Ingrown Toenail Treatment
    I have an ingrown toenail that I want to treat at home. How do I do it?
  • Painful Pops and Cracks in Knees
    My knee pops out consistently when I work out. I'm 19 years old, at a healthy weight, and have an active lifestyle. I have quit working out several times due to painful cracks and pops. Is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening?
  • Severe Achilles Tendinitis and Exercise
    I have severe Achilles tendinitis and can't even go on long walks for exercise. What workouts would you recommend while I recover? It's been weeks since I've broken a good sweat.
  • Corns and Calluses
    What can I do to get rid of the corns and calluses on my feet?

Back to Back and Spine Health

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences