Pain is an unpleasant sensory feeling resulting from potential or actual tissue damage. Pain management services involve recognizing the causes of pain and providing remedies. Here are ways in which healthcare providers recognize the underlying causes of pain:
Medical History Analysis
A condition like scoliosis may develop during childhood but is more likely to be discovered in adulthood. It involves a sideways curvature in the spine, which peaks at puberty. The curves may not need surgery but can cause back pain. Common scoliosis symptoms include uneven waist and shoulders and a higher hip on one side. Child treatment involves observation, bracing, and surgery. Doctors recommend physical therapy in adults to relieve pain and maintain strength. Beyond conservative treatment, some pain management services can help. These procedures include facet steroid injections, medial branch blocks, and radio frequency ablations.
Assessing the Effect of Pain on Patients
Some situations will help physicians assess pain and its effect on patients. Neck pain and lower back pain may result from degenerative disc disease, which can be diagnosed by physicians and may be caused by spinal disc wear and tear. Spinal discs can wear from aging, sporting activities, and injury history. Unfortunate events like car accidents can accelerate the progression of degenerative disc disease. The pain may occur and disappear periodically, lasting for months or weeks. It can cause tingling in the arms and legs and numbness.
Physical Examination
Doctors perform physical examinations to diagnose various conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy. A neurological exam checks your muscle strength, tone, and reflexes. Other diagnostic procedures include electrodiagnostic testing, bloodwork tests, and genetic testing. Electrodiagnostic testing provides electromyogram and nerve conduction studies to identify damage in nerves or muscles. Blood work and imaging tests may reveal electrolyte imbalances and the presence of antibodies. If your doctor suspects a genetic condition, they may order a genetic test.
Clinical Evaluation
When diagnosing spinal stenosis pain, doctors begin by analyzing your symptoms. These include mild to severe neck or back pain and difficulty standing or walking. They pinpoint the sources of pain through CT scans and X-rays. Imaging provides objective evidence of neurovascular compromise. Spinal stenosis is caused by arthritis or the natural aging process. While aging, you may gradually notice radiating pain and numbness due to nerve compression. Clinical evaluations and tests help pinpoint the severity of your condition.
Mobility Assessment
Degenerative disorders can cause limited mobility and range of motion. Spondylitis involves the inflammation of vertebrae, causing back pain. It refers to degenerative changes like bone spurs and degenerating intervertebral discs. The condition may occur in the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic spine. Pain concentrates around the neck, lower spine, and shoulders, with a stinging pain. Over time, it leads to ankylosing spondylitis, where the spine sections fuse.
Find Out More About Pain Management Services
Pain management services diagnose the causes of pain and provide effective treatment plans. Doctors perform tests like magnetic resonance imaging, nerve blocks, and discography during diagnosis. Consult a reputable pain management center to learn more about their services.
