With the human body's intricate neural pathways, interactions and responses, an accurate chronic pain diagnosis can be a tricky proposition. Chronic pain is often intermittent and might or might not manifest itself in the same area every time. Before seeking a diagnosis, pay close attention to the type of pain you're experiencing. Is it stabbing, throbbing, aching? In addition, try to log any activities, food consumption or other potentially relevant information that occurs with the onset of pain. In general, chronic pain is classified as being physical, neurological or psychological, but before diagnostic testing, there is no way to know which type you might have.
Physical assessment
The first step to finding a diagnosis for chronic pain is generally a physical exam, possibly with blood and urine tests. Your doctor will look at how you move and sit, the angles of your joints, your weight and activity level and other relevant information that could contribute to chronic pain. Family history is also often assessed in order to try to narrow the list of possible causes.
Neurological imaging and tests
Chronic pain can be caused by nerve impingement, malfunctioning nerve pathways or similar issues directly related to the nerves. Impingements might be from scarring, malformed body structures or pinching joints, among other causes. Your doctor might also run a variety of tests to assess your nerve responses to different stimuli.
Psychological screening
Many types of chronic pain are not physical in nature and could require screening and assessment in order to determine if a psychological issue could be the source of your pain. Common psychological pain triggers include depression and anxiety, and these issues might be the most difficult to diagnose. Aside from the psychological evaluation, a chronic pain diagnosis in this area is primarily a process of elimination. Don't make the mistake of thinking that chronic psychological pain does not need to be treated because it's "just in your head." Psychological pain is just as real as any other type of pain, and it can have a serious impact on your daily life.
Cranial osteopathy is an approach designed to provide relief from headaches, sinus conditions and even fatigue. |
What is an osteopath trained in? Osteopaths attend osteopathy schools and obtain an osteopathy degree enabling them to practice osteopathy medicine just as all other doctors do. |
Labyrinthitis can be treat with cranial osteopathy to help relive inflammation of the inner ear. It is more common in babies and children than adults. |
Osteopathic medicine strives to address the root cause of symptoms rather than simply supress them, thus taking a holistic view of its patients. |
What is osteopathy? This article is an introduction to osteopathic medicine, osteopathy treatments and osteopathic manipulation |
The need to define what an osteopath does is important when deciding between a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy. |
Understanding osteopathic medicine and osteopathic manipulation can help you decide whether you would like to visit a doctor of osteopathy, known as a DO, or a medical doctor, MD. |
An introductory guide to osteopathic medicine, osteopathy treatments and osteopathic manipulation. |
