There are many causes of back pain which may include but not be limited to kidney stones, gall stones, bone issues, neurological causes, muscular, neuromuscular and possible combinations of any of these. Generally the first stop should be a caring, qualified, compassionate GP who will do a thorough physical examination, possibly some labs and some good lumbar X-rays. Based on the results possibly additional diagnostic studies. Formulate a plan that the individual agrees with. Despite increased definition of imaging and many other diagnostics it still requires the expertise of an individual. Unfortunately today's health care is controlled by insurance companies and physicians could be employed by the insurance company or a managed care organization(MCO). Their main goal is to ration care and provide returns for their investors. Todays medical patient needs to try to educate themselves to the best of their ability rather than just trust the health care system to take care of them.
Just an example: 25 years ago returning to my home town my wife had gall stones (symptoms were immediate onset of excruciating back pain while sleeping). About 4 hours after the laparoscopic procedure I was in her room wearing street clothes. A young nurse walked into her room with a syringe and attempted to give her an injection. I ask the nurse what it was and what it was for. She replied "it's for her headache" I ask my wife if she had a headache she said no. I ask the nurse to hold the injection and she insisted she give it. A mild argument ensued and left the room quite mad. About 30 minutes later another nurse came in and I inquired about the incident and the injection. She told us "it was for someone in another room". Always ask questions my friends. By the way, the syringe was loaded with Demerol. My wife is allergic to Demerol.
