Which imaging techniques are commonly used for diagnosing back pain?

MRI and X-rays are commonly used imaging techniques for diagnosing back pain due to their ability to provide essential information about the structures of the spine and surrounding tissues.

MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is particularly useful because it offers detailed images of soft tissues, including the spinal cord, nerves, and intervertebral discs. This is vital for identifying conditions such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or tumors, which may not be visible on other imaging modalities.

X-rays are effective for assessing the bony structures of the spine, helping in the detection of fractures, alignment issues, and degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis. While X-rays are less useful for visualizing soft tissues, they are quick and effective for evaluating acute injuries and chronic conditions affecting bone integrity.

In contrast, other options like CT scans and ultrasounds might be used in specific circumstances but are not the first-line choices for typical back pain cases. Blood tests and biopsies are typically more appropriate for infectious or inflammatory causes and not for structural issues in the spine. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies are primarily used to assess nerve and muscle function rather than to visualize anatomy directly concerning back pain.