A back specialist believes he has discovered the cause of Darren Helm's back issues, and it's good news for the Detroit Red Wings.

“After doing all the tests, he's very confident there's nothing significant,'' general manager Ken Holland said Thursday. "It's either a small ligament strain or a ligament tear, likely a strain.

“He gave him an injection, there was immediate relief.''

Helm won't do any on-ice or off-ice workouts until at least Monday, when he'll be reassessed. There is no time frame for his return.

"The doctor is optimistic he's found the problem,'' Holland said.

Helm hasn't skated since Jan. 26, when he left the ice midway through practice, a day after making his season debut in a 5-3 win over Minnesota.

He first tweaked his back on Jan. 10, while lifting weights.