Pain in any part of your body can cause discomfort, affecting your daily activities, or things you enjoy. A pain management dr can diagnose the source of your pain and administer treatment for timely healing and relief. Here are five tests pain management doctors use to diagnose sources of pain.
1. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
CT scans use X-rays directed on a specific part of your body to produce an accurate image. The image is then displayed on a computer, enabling the doctor to identify the exact source of pain. During the scan, the doctor may inject fluid into the veins within the affected part of the body to enhance the visibility of the affected area. The procedure is generally painless and relatively quick. CT scans can be used to diagnose pain associated with annular tears, foraminal stenosis, spinal osteoarthritis, and spondylitis.
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create an image of your organs on a computer. The MRI images are straightforward and provide fine details, such as the condition of blood vessels within the body organ. Before starting the imaging, your doctor will assess its suitability since an MRI cannot be administered to people who use pacemakers or have other medical devices.
If the pain is not on a specific part of your body organ, the pain management doctor may prescribe multiple MRI scans to identify the source of pain. The process can take up to one hour, depending on the number of scans. MRI scans are ideal for diagnosing pains occasioned by annular tears, herniated disc failure, spinal osteoarthritis, and spondylolisthesis.
3. Discography
Discography is used to identify the specific source of back and neck pain. These pains are usually caused by trauma to one or more discs in the back or neck. If a physical examination of the affected areas does not pinpoint the exact source of pain, your doctor may prescribe discography.
A dye is injected directly into the affected discs during discography to identify the damaged parts. An X-ray then produces a clear image of the damaged part on a computer for analysis by your doctor. The doctor can use pictures from discography to identify pain caused by tears.
4. Electromyogram (EMG)
An EMG test is used to pinpoint the exact source of muscular pains. The test involves putting needles into the affected muscle to check its response to stimuli, such as electrical signals. EMG tests can help your doctor identify pains caused by damaged herniated discs, annular tears, and neuropathy. Doctors may only use this as a diagnostic tool if other tests do not show.
5. Physical Examination
A simple physical examination of your body can help a pain management dr identify the source of pain. This involves the doctor applying pressure on the painful body part to pinpoint the exact source of pain. The doctor can also request you move the affected body part to measure the extent of damage. This will be the first thing a doctor does, and several injuries can be identified with this method.
Find a Pain Management Dr
Pain reduces mobility, affecting one’s ability to engage in daily activities such as walking. If left untreated for a long time, it can lead to paralysis and long-term disability. Your doctor helps avert these dire consequences by establishing the source of pain through diagnostic tests, such as CT scans, X-rays, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Find a pain management doctor today for effective diagnosis and treatment.
