What Will My Pain Management Examination Entail?

During a pain management examination, doctors will typically conduct various assessments to determine the most suitable treatment for your unique situation. At St. Louis Pain Consultants, we generally begin by taking our patient’s history and completing a physical examination. Here is what you can expect during an examination with a pain management Dr: 

Patient History Assessment

The first part of your examination can involve an in-depth discussion of your medical history. Your pain management doctor might inquire about the nature of your pain, the duration, and intensity. You may be asked about factors and activities that exacerbate or alleviate the pain, such as walking, running, or sitting. It’s beneficial to be thorough and honest during this phase to promote an accurate assessment. Be sure to provide details about any past treatments and whether they were effective.

This detailed history allows our doctors to gain insight into potential underlying conditions or injuries contributing to your pain. It guides the selection of appropriate diagnostic tests and treatments. As more information is provided, we can become better equipped to develop a personalized treatment plan that suits your unique needs.

Physical Examination

Following the comprehensive review of your medical history, your pain management doctor typically conducts a physical examination. This step might involve assessing your range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and any visible signs of injury or inflammation. The doctor may also examine the affected area to identify specific points of tenderness or abnormalities.

For some patients, additional diagnostic tests may be ordered. These tests can include nerve conduction studies, x-rays, MRI’s, bone scans, and blood tests. The results help doctors better understand the underlying issues contributing to your pain. Testing enables our pain management specialists to confirm or rule out potential causes, guiding the development of an accurate diagnosis.

Pain Assessment Tools

To quantify and qualify your pain experience, our doctors may use various pain assessment tools. These tools often include visual analog scales, numerical rating scales, or questionnaires designed to gauge the intensity and impact of your pain. We use these to assess how your pain impacts your daily activities. By applying these tools, our pain management doctors can better understand the nature of your pain and monitor changes throughout the course of treatment.

Collaborative Treatment Planning

After completing the examination, we will collaborate with you to develop a customized treatment plan. This plan may include a combination of medications, physical therapy, interventional procedures, lifestyle modifications, and psychological support. We can provide education about the underlying causes of pain, available treatment options, and the expected outcomes of different interventions. This allows you to make informed decisions about your pain management while working to improve your overall quality of life.

Work With a Pain Management Doctor

Our pain management doctors at St. Louis Pain Consultants can help determine a suitable treatment plan by evaluating your needs through various assessments. These assessments may include pain evaluation tools, physical examinations, and medical history reviews. Contact our team today to set up an initial consultation and create a plan to alleviate your pain.