Diagnostics
When patients are experiencing pain, doctors have a variety of methods to determine what is causing it. First, you’ll be asked for information about your medical history and any symptoms present. Next, the physician will do an examination and may order certain tests. These are known as diagnostic tests and can take a variety of forms.
Also known as discography, the discogram is a common diagnostic test for patients who are experiencing back pain. It’s often used for patients who may be considering surgery. However, a discogram will also be used before a physician decides on other treatment options.
The test involves the injection of dye into the disc that may be causing pain. On an X-ray, the dye will show all of the damaged areas.
While there are many types of nerve blocks, the medial branch block is common in cases of back pain. This kind of test can help diagnose and treat any pain you have. First, an anesthetic is injected into the area of the nerves. An imaging test may also be used to determine the best spot for the needle to be used.
The kind of response that you have to a nerve block can determine what your pain is caused by. It may also give insight into the area where the pain comes from.
A computed tomography scan uses both computers and X-rays to create a picture of a cross-portion of the human body. This test requires the patient to lie very still on a table while it moves through a large scanning device.
In some cases, the physician will inject a solution into your vein before the scanning procedure starts. This makes it simpler to see what is going on inside the body. These scans can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
Another test that is often used for pain in the back is a myelogram. During this procedure, a special kind of dye will be injected into the spinal canal. The purpose of this particular diagnostic test is to find areas of nerve compression. This compression can be caused by fractures of herniated discs.
Doctors often use magnetic resonance imaging to get good images without the use of X-rays. This test uses a computer, radio waves, and a huge magnet to create photos. The MRI process can take from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the number of images needed.
In some cases, an injection of contrast material will need to be used to create the clearest images. In addition, this diagnostic test is not for everyone. As MRIs rely on a magnet, those with pacemakers should not have them done.
If you are experiencing back pain (or pain in other parts of the body), you deserve relief from this discomfort. At Modern Pain Consultants, we’re dedicated to helping you understand what is causing the pain and finding a long-term solution to it. Reach out to us today to set an appointment and get started on the road to recovery.