Why is back pain often misdiagnosed?

Today, an ever-increasing number of people suffer from back pain, which is often chronic. If the symptoms are severe or chronic, a doctor is often consulted. But even if you consult an orthopedist as a specialist for the supporting or musculoskeletal system, a misdiagnosis can always occur. In a large number of cases, back pain can also be non-specific, so that the trigger for the symptoms cannot be clearly identified.

The most common misdiagnoses in the area of the back, lumbar vertebrae and spine

The triggers for back pain are not always due to damage and malformations of the spine. On the other hand, pain in other areas, such as the legs, can also be caused by damage to the spine. Therefore, misdiagnoses are common and wrong treatment is the result. Conditions such as obesity and being overweight can also lead to back pain, as can pneumonia or heart or kidney disease.

A herniated disc, on the other hand, can be the cause of hip or leg pain. There can be cases of misdiagnosis where the hip is treated without the pain easing. Patients often need a long time before they can find the real cause of their back pain.

What helps to determine the cause correctly?

Since there is often a risk of misdiagnosis in the case of back pain, we attach great importance to the most conscientious and precise diagnosis possible in our spine center. The basic requirements for this are experienced specialists as well as modern diagnostic devices that can provide information about the condition of the spine. In the apex spine center, the patient's diagnosis is worked out in carefully planned steps. Modern diagnostic methods such as magnetic resonance imaging can also be used.

Why are local orthopedists often overwhelmed with a correct diagnosis?

Not every local orthopedist has the necessary experience to be able to quickly identify the correct cause of back pain. Also, the latest devices that allow a thorough diagnosis are often simply not available. Without, for example, an MRI of the spine, which is evaluated by an expert, it is difficult to detect herniated discs and similar degenerative diseases of the spine. This is why misdiagnosis is more common than one might think, especially with local and non-specialized colleagues or orthopedic surgeons.

What is included in a thorough diagnosis?

A thorough diagnosis always begins with taking the patient's medical history. This is followed by an orthopedic-neurosurgical and neurological examination, which can provide initial information on the cause of the back pain. This may be followed by a strength test and an electromyographic examination. In addition, an internal examination may also be necessary to clarify and / or rule out possible organic causes. X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging can then provide further clarity.

Why does it make sense to get a second opinion?

Surgery is not always the only treatment option. Even herniated discs can now be treated conservatively. Before undergoing an operation, you should therefore get a second opinion to rule out the possibility of a misdiagnosis or that non-invasive therapy can also lead to success.

According to which criteria should the clinic be selected?

If you suffer from back pain and are looking for relief, you should definitely look to a specialist. Trained personnel who specialize in spinal problems will be able to find the cause much more quickly. A well-equipped clinic or center such as the apex spine center in Munich also has the most modern diagnostic methods with which doubts can be dispelled.