How to Get a Diagnosis for Body Aches and Pains

Are you struggling with frequent body aches and pains? If you are, you’re not alone. Many people have been told it’s all in their heads, but experts are finally realizing chronic pain is a serious issue.

From headaches and neck pain to back pain and more, millions of people around the globe deal with pain on a regular basis. If body aches are affecting your daily life, you can get a diagnosis and find relief.

Here’s what you need to know about getting a medical diagnosis and pain management treatments.

How Is Chronic Pain Diagnosed?

Pain that lasts or recurs over a period of more than three months is referred to as chronic pain. Since pain is subjective, it can be tough for healthcare providers to understand the issue. Try to identify and describe the pain as accurately as possible to your doctor.

You should include:

• How long you’ve had pain
• The location of the pain
• How intense it is (using a scale of 1-10)
• How often it happens
• How it impacts your daily life
• Past injuries and illnesses
• Any significant amount of stress

Telling your doctor these details can help them to find an appropriate treatment for you. The next step is likely a series of tests for body pains.

These tests may include:

• X-rays
• MRIs
• Blood tests
• Electromyography
• Nerve tests and blocks
• Urine tests
• Spinal fluid tests

What Causes Chronic Pain?

The cause of chronic pain will vary by individual, which is why it’s so important to get a diagnosis from a medical professional. However, common causes of pain include bad habits and stress.

Here are some common culprits:

• Poor diet and inflammation-causing foods
• Lack of exercise
• High levels of stress
• Not getting enough sleep each night

These are often called the four pillars of chronic pain. Making adjustments to your lifestyle should be the first step you take during treatment.

Chronic Pain Treatments

Depending on the type of pain you’re experiencing, the cause, and how bad it is, your treatment may vary. There are many treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medications, therapies, and other strategies to help you cope.

For instance, one of the most common types of chronic pain is lower back pain. Acute low back pain (LBP) causes more global disability than any other condition. Chronic back pain lasts more than 12 weeks.

Treatments for lower back pain may include heat and cold therapy, OTC pain medications, and special exercises.

Many people choose to visit a pain management center for help. This is often the best way to determine the cause of your pain and undergo therapies to help you reduce or eliminate it.

Pain management doctors are up-to-date with the latest research, and they’re the best equipped to help people discover the right treatment for their pain type.

Get a Diagnosis to Find Relief

If you’re dealing with pain on a daily basis, the first step toward finding relief is to get a diagnosis. Talk to your doctor, visit a pain management center, and make lifestyle changes to help.

If you need more tips on living a healthier lifestyle, check out some of our other articles.