| When to test for aches and pains |
| Pain often stems from minor problems that can be adequately diagnosed based on symptoms alone. For example, headaches rarely
indicate a brain tumor, and ankle, back, or knee pain usually stems from simple strains or sprains. Imaging for those problems
is often needed only in the circumstances described in the table below.
|
| Condition |
Consider an imaging test if... |
| Back pain |
- It lasts longer than a month.
- It radiates into a buttock and the corresponding thigh to below the knee, often with numbness, tingling, or weakness of the
leg or foot.
- It follows an injury or you’re at high risk of spinal fracture because of osteoporosis.
- You have a history of osteoporosis or are at high risk for it.
- You have fever, night sweats, or a recent infection, particularly if your immune system has been weakened.
- You have unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or are incontinent of urine or stool.
|
| Headaches |
- They are accompanied by balance problems, problems with speech or vision, dizziness, or weakness of an arm or leg.
- They last longer than 24 hours.
- They are severe, especially if you’ve never experienced one before.
- They occur frequently or worsen over time.
- They intensify when you bend over, cough, have sex, or strain during a bowel movement.
|
| Joint pain |
- You heard a crack when you hurt your joint.
- You can’t put any weight on the joint after the injury.
- Your joint is very swollen or misshapen.
- Pain or swelling haven’t improved after five days.
- Pressing one particular spot on the bone causes sharp pain.
- You have no feeling in the joint or you can’t move your toes or fingers.
- Your doctor needs additional information to determine treatment for arthritis or other problems.
|
