Many people living with chronic pain feel frustrated when test results show nothing abnormal. When X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans come back “normal,” it can seem like the pain has no explanation. At Freedom Spine & Pain Center, Rajesh K. Sharma, MD, and Vrunda H. Pandya, MD, bring advanced training and board certification in Anesthesiology and Pain Management to help uncover the hidden causes of pain.
Their combined expertise in interventional pain techniques and regional anesthesia allows for precise diagnosis and targeted care. Even when diagnostic tests appear clear, there are often deeper factors driving chronic pain that require specialized evaluation and treatment.
Why Diagnostic Tests May Not Tell the Whole Story
Diagnostic tests are designed to identify visible issues such as fractures, herniated discs, or inflammation. These scans are valuable tools, but they can overlook subtle or complex causes of pain. Chronic pain often involves changes in the nervous system, muscles, or soft tissues—areas that standard imaging can’t always detect.
Common reasons a test might not show the source of pain include:
- Microscopic nerve damage that doesn’t appear on imaging
- Inflammation in tissues not visible on standard scans
- Pain that originates from functional or chemical changes in the nerves
- Conditions like fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain, which don’t produce structural changes
Even when imaging looks normal, the pain can still be real and persistent.
The Complex Nature Of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is not just a symptom, it can become a condition of its own. When the nervous system continues to send pain signals after an injury has healed, the pain may become long-lasting. This process is sometimes described as the body’s “pain memory.”
Common examples include:
- Ongoing back or neck pain after surgery or injury
- Nerve pain that continues after shingles or trauma
- Widespread muscle pain or sensitivity linked to fibromyalgia
Because chronic pain can stem from multiple sources, a more detailed approach is often needed to find relief.
What Comes Next For Finding Relief
When standard tests fail to pinpoint the cause, advanced diagnostic methods and comprehensive evaluations can help. Specialists in pain management can use targeted techniques to uncover the root of the issue and develop a personalized plan for relief.
These approaches may include:
- Nerve block procedures
- Regenerative medicine therapies
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Physical rehabilitation or guided exercise programs
Each plan focuses on treating the source of pain, improving mobility, and restoring quality of life.
Finding Lasting Pain Relief In San Antonio, Boerne & Kerrville, TX
If chronic pain persists even after routine diagnostic testing, effective options are available. The right evaluation and personalized treatment plan can help you move beyond daily discomfort and return to the activities you enjoy.
Call 210-920-8945 today to schedule your consultation and take the first confident step toward relief.