Thermography is a non-invasive method of recording and interpreting the distribution of surface temperature. First used clinically in the diagnosis of breast disease, thermography has been spreading steadily in a variety of diagnostic applications. Various investigators claim that thermography: 1) can document soft tissue injury, infection and inflammation, 2) has a place in pre-employment screening for back disorders and high risk backs, 3) is more sensitive than electromyography in the diagnosis of disc disease and radiculopathy, 4) is exceedingly more accurate than myelography in judging a patient’s disc problem, and 5) may be a useful supplement to present clinical methods for objectively documenting soft tissue trauma in the patient with low back pain. This review attempts to evaluate the state of thermography today and assess its value in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain.

 

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