Chronic Pain

Your doctor will take a detailed Reference medical history, asking you questions about your pain. He or she may ask you to start keeping a pain diary (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).

Physical exam

In your Reference physical exam, your doctor will look for areas that are tender, weak, or numb. The doctor will also check for health problems that contribute to chronic pain, such as:

• Nervous system problems. You may be asked to do a few physical tasks, such as walking up and down a hall or getting up from a chair. By checking your reflexes and your ability to feel light touch, your doctor can look for a nerve problem. The doctor may also ask you to repeat a series of numbers or to answer simple questions about dates, places, and current events.
• Mental health problems. A Reference mental health assessment involves asking you questions to help your doctor find out whether such conditions as depression, insomnia, or stress are contributing to or happening as a result of your chronic pain. These conditions often occur with chronic pain. You may also be asked about your use of alcohol and drugs. Answering these questions fully and honestly may help your doctor and you identify the sources of your chronic pain.

Tests

One or more of these tests may help your doctor rule out health problems that can cause chronic pain.

• Reference Blood tests Opens New Window or other lab tests: A small sample of your blood is taken and then checked to see if you have an infection or other condition that could be causing your pain.
• Reference X-rays Opens New Window or other imaging tests (such as Reference CT scans Opens New Window, Reference MRIs Opens New Window, or Reference ultrasounds Opens New Window): These tests take pictures of the inside structures of your body to look for disease and injury.
• Reference Electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction studies or other nerve tests: These tests measure muscle and nerve function to find out whether your chronic pain is related to muscle or nerve problems.
• Reference Angiogram Opens New Window or other studies of your blood vessels: This test injects a dye and inserts a small tube into your arteries to trace the movement of blood within your body.
• Diagnostic Reference nerve blocks Opens New Window: One example is an injection of a Reference local anesthetic Opens New Window into or around a nerve to identify whether that nerve is causing the pain.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.