Chronic pain affects an estimated 50.2 million adults in the United States at any given time, according to the most recent research. Chronic pain interferes with daily and recreational activities, as well as with one's ability to work comfortably. Finding the cause of the pain is a top priority. In order to develop an effective treatment plan for chronic pain, the spine specialists can conduct a wide range of lab and imaging tests.

First, a Doctor's Appointment and a Physical Examination

Chronic pain can be difficult to diagnose. Even if it's obvious, like a broken bone, pain can be caused by a working hard that develops to illness or disease or an unsuspected injury, making it difficult to diagnose. Patients with chronic pain will be interviewed by a doctor to learn about their symptoms and signs. What questions are asked of the patient?

• Possible injuries

• Personal medical history

• Symptoms that are specific

• Surgical history

• Illnesses

• Amount of pain felt

• The extent to which the pain interferes with daily life and work responsibilities.

What causes the pain to worsen or improve?

Arthritis, for example, is a known trigger of chronic pain. Other times, it's not so obvious what's going on. This includes pain in the back, muscles, nerves, as well as in joints. It will be easier for the doctor to order lab and diagnostic tests after conducting an interview and possibly a neurological exam.

Testing for the Diagnosis of Chronic Pain

A blood test for pain is likely to be ordered by the doctor after the initial interview and examination. The A1C, which measures blood sugar levels, is a common pain test. For example, a doctor may use blood tests to diagnose the following:

• Diseases like, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritisand cancer

• Inflammation levels

• The functioning of the body's internal systems

There is no guarantee that a lab test will reveal the cause of Imaging, chronic pain. nerve, and other medical tests are all necessary.

Diagnosing Chronic Pain with Imaging Tests

Imaging tests, such as x-rays, are frequently used in the diagnosis of pain. Bones, organs, and other soft tissues can be scanned with high-tech imaging equipment for abnormalities. The following are examples of common tests.

• X-rays

Bone abnormalities can be detected using X-rays.

• Bone Scan

In the event of a bone fracture, infection, or other bone-related issue, a bone scan may be necessary. One or more tiny injections of radioactive material are administered. Material that is injected into the bones is absorbed in areas that are not normally active. The abnormalities are then identified by a computerized scanner that detects areas with a higher radioactive material concentration.

• MRI

Soft tissues, nerves, and bones can all be seen clearly with an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging). No radioactive material is injected into the patient during this imaging procedure. A computerized image is created using magnets and radio waves. Contrast material may be injected into the body in order to improve images.

• CT Scan

The CT scan (computed tomography) creates a cross-sectional image of the body using computers and x-rays. Soft tissues, nerves, and bones can sometimes be seen more clearly after a remedy is injected into a vein. Patients are placed on tables that move through the CT scanner as it scans their body.

• Myelogram

An examination of the spinal canal or spinal cord is performed using a myelogram. The fluid surrounding the spinal cord and nerves is injected with a specialized dye for this purpose. An MRI, CT scan, or x-ray is performed after the injection. A herniated disc or a fractured bone can be diagnosed using this test.

• Ultrasound Diagnosis

Using high-frequency sound waves, computer screens display images of the body's tissues in real time.

If you are looking for a reliable spine specialist, reach at Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers to get your diagnosis done immediately and acquire 100% accurate result.

**Disclaimer: This blog post does not establish terms of a doctor-patient relationship and is not intended to be taken as a doctor's advice.