The doctor will examine your back and assess your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift your legs. The doctor may also ask you to rate your pain on a scale from zero to 10 and ask you how well you're dealing with your pain.
If the doctor believes that there is a specific condition causing your pain, they may order tests. Your doctor may order an x-ray, MRI, CT scans, blood tests, bone scans, or nerve studies.
Most middle back pain gets better with a month of home treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers and the use of heat may be all that is needed. However, some people continue to have persistent severe pain.