An accurate diagnosis begins with the careful evaluation of a patient's medical history and a thorough physical examination. Physicians at Swedish can then choose from an extensive series of diagnostic tests to precisely identify the pain source. These tests often involve the injection of local anesthetics to nerves, joints or discs, usually guided by X-rays for precise placement. Physicians may also use various types of scans, such as MRI, CT or bone scans.
The Swedish Pain and Headache Center providers can apply any number of innovative pain-treatment techniques. They apply the latest technologies offering many patients significant improvement with their chronic pain problems.