Testing for specific suspected causes includes the following: Neurologic deficits, particularly those consistent with nerve root compression or spinal cord compression: MRI and less commonly CT myelography, done as soon as possible Possible infection: White blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), imaging (usually MRI or CT), and culture of infected tissue Possible cancer: CT or MRI, complete blood count (CBC), and possibly biopsy Possible aneurysm: CT, angiography, or sometimes ultrasonography Possible aortic dissection: Angiography, CT, or MRI Symptoms that are disabling or that persist > 6 weeks: Imaging (usually MRI or CT) and, if infection is suspected, WBC count and ESR; some clinicians begin with anteroposterior and lateral x-rays of the spine to help localize and sometimes diagnose abnormalities Other extraspinal disorders: Testing as appropriate (eg, chest x-ray for pulmonary disorders, urinalysis for urinary tract disorders or for back pain with no clear mechanical cause) Treatment of Neck and Back Pain Underlying disorders are treated.