Medical Examination The diagnosis of<unk> s is challenging, as the symptoms can be non-specific and often mimic more common and benign degenerative<unk>  diseases. A comprehensive medical examination is necessary to look for signs or symptoms that may point towards a more serious condition. This includes a complete neurological exam focusing on any motor or sensory deficits. Patients with either benign degenerative<unk>  disease or<unk> s often present with back pain. A patient with radiculopathy or myelopathy raises suspicion for a more serious condition. Imaging Imaging is often the next step when the diagnosis is unclear or there is greater suspicion for a serious condition that may need immediate intervention. Common types of medical imaging include X-rays, computer tomography scan (CT), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), myelography, and bone scans. MRI is the imaging of choice for<unk> s. The MRI protocol that is most frequently used includes T1-weighted and T2-weighted sequences, including contrast enhanced T1-weighted sequences. Short-TI Inversion Recovery (STIR) is also commonly added to the MRI protocol for detecting<unk>  cord<unk> s. Myelography may be used as a substitute when the patient cannot undergo an MRI or it is unavailable. X-rays and CT are more commonly used to view the bony structures. They are less frequently used for<unk>  cord<unk> s, however, since they cannot reliably detect them. Bone scanning may be used as a supplementary imaging modality for<unk> s involving bony structures of the spine.
Spinal tumor
Spinal disease
Spinal stenosis
Spinal disc herniation
Spinal fracture
Spinal epidural hematoma
Cervical spinal stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis