Description Chronic pain is oft...
Description
Chronic pain is often due to an identifiable cause, such as degenerative arthritis in the lower back or nerve disease. However, it may also develop for no apparent reason. Despite thorough exams and tests, a doctor may be unable to find a specific physical cause.
Symptoms
Long-lasting pain that persists despite treatment. Depression and anxiety commonly accompany chronic pain.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to rule out a reversible cause of the pain are usually recommended. This may include blood tests and imaging studies.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pain Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry)
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to rule out a reversible cause of the pain are usually recommended. This may include blood tests and imaging studies.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pain Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry)
Treatment
Treatment includes: pain medications, antidepressant medications, and psychological treatment. Non-drug treatments for pain include: massage, acupuncture, relaxation training, and electrical nerve stimulation (called TENS). If effective, nerve stimulators may be surgically implanted in appropriate patients.