When it comes to understanding back and spinal pain, a clear diagnosis will be required to identify the underlying cause of the problem. Many medical professionals will attempt to determine the cause of a particular pain through a range of processes and steps, including the review of a patient’s history and a physical examination. In a review of the patient’s medical history, the physician will need to ask the patient a number of questions, and request a description of when the pain occurs and how it feels as well as which activities might make it feel better or worse.