Pain mapping is the term used to describe a series of tests used to strategically pinpoint a patient’s pain and underlying area of their condition. At the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, we utilize state of the art diagnostic tests during our pain mapping process in order to most effectively diagnose and treat our patients.
When to use pain mapping
Pain mapping is generally used to assist your doctor or surgeon in better identifying the underlying cause of your pain and symptoms. Common tests utilized during for pain mapping may include:
- Facet Injections
- Occipital Nerve Blocks
- Cervical/Thoracic/Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks
- Selective Nerve Root Blocks
- Sciatic (Peripheral) Nerve Blocks
- Piriformis Injections
- Sacroiliac Joint Injections/Blocks
If you are suffering from undiagnosed back or neck pain, undergoing pain mapping may be the proper first step towards finding your relief.
Will a pain mapping cure my spine condition?
Pain mapping is not a treatment, but rather a series of diagnostic tests that help identify the exact cause of your pain and symptoms. Once identified, your doctor or surgeon is able to create a treatment plan that will most effectively treat the root cause of your pain, rather than simply treating your symptoms blindly. At the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, we are dedicated to helping ensure that your pain and symptoms are effectively located and treated, which is why we use pain mapping during the course of each patient’s care.
The Minimally Invasive Spine Institute Approach
At the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute our goal is helping patients find relief. In many cases, that means assisting them in obtaining the highest quality testing and diagnostic care available to expedite their journey. During the pain mapping process, we offer a number of diagnostic tests onsite, and work with world-class diagnostic centers in our area to ensure that you have access to any and all diagnostic testing needed.