Diagnostic Imaging for Persistent Unexplained Pain

Pain is our body's way of letting us know that something isn't right. In some cases, the source of pain may be apparent, for example, from a previous injury or an undiagnosed disease. In some instances, though, pain persists for days, weeks, or even months without apparent cause. Not knowing the cause of persistent pain may impact one's quality of life, sleep, work, movement, and wellbeing. If history, physical examination, or initial tests show no apparent cause, doctors may order diagnostic imaging.

Doctors may use an MRI scan, CT scan, or an ultrasound scan in some cases to take a closer look at the area causing the pain. At MolecularDiagnostics and Therapy, we help doctors get the most modern diagnostic imaging to help them search for various causes of continuing pain as well as to develop a plan of action.

What Is Persistent Unexplained Pain?

Persistent pain is pain that has not gone away or has returned for a longer than usual period. The word unexplained indicates the cause has not yet been broken down (clearly revealed). This does not mean that the pain is not real. It basically indicates that additional assessment may be required to identify the cause(s) of it.

Almost any region of the body can experience chronic pain. This can cause constant pain in the back, neck, joints, abdomen, head, pelvis, or muscles. The kind of assessment varies based upon the location of pain, the duration, what makes it better or worse, and if there are additional symptoms.

When Is Diagnostic Imaging Recommended?

Often, pain is not the first indication of a problem and is not a definite reason for diagnostic imaging. Initial questions a doctor asks include: What are your symptoms, what previous injuries do you have, medical history, and how do your daily routines limit you due to pain? Physical exam and simple examinations might be conducted. Imaging is indicated if pain persists, worsens, is linked to some alarming symptoms, or if doctors require more information about structures within the body. Doctors may use either an ultrasound, an MRI scan, or a CT scan depending on the area of the body being scanned.

How Can an MRI Scan Help?

MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and magnets to generate a magnetic image of the body that uses radio waves to provide a detailed image of many structures within the body. MRI is especially well-suited to look at soft tissue. It shows detailed images of the brain, spine, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues, depending on the part being scanned.

For instance, during the evaluation of a patient with persistent back or neck pain, an MRI might be ordered to look at soft tissues, nerves and spinal discs. MRIs are also helpful if the X-rays don't explain all of the painful conditions or injured joints. When looking for ‘MRI scan near me', it is crucial that you make sure that the MRI centre offers you the right kind of MRI scan your doctor recommended.

How Can a CT Scan Help?

A computed tomography (CT) scan combines X-rays and computers to produce images from many different angles of the body. It is useful in studying bones, inside organs, chest, belly, etc. A CT scan is ordered when your doctor needs more detailed structural information or for pain that persists. It helps in the diagnosis of injuries, bone deformities, kidney stones, and diseases of the internal organs. Sometimes, patients can receive contrast dyes that can help give more information, and contrast is used depending on the area being examined.

Conclusion

If no known cause for pain has been determined, then there can be many reasons, and the doctor uses diagnostic imaging techniques to look at an area of the body that can't be assessed from outside. An MRI gives in-depth details of the soft tissues, nerves, joints and spine. A CT scan can give detailed images of the bones and the internal structure; an ultrasound scan helps assess organs and tissues.

Not all chronic pain necessitates imaging, as the appropriate test is used based on the type of pain, symptoms, and the medical history of the patient. At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, cutting-edge imaging services help physicians find out the causes of ongoing unexplained pain and determine the right treatment for their patients.