Physical Examination and Assessment

Abstract

Physical examination and assessment focuses on exam techniques utilized in diagnosing pain conditions. Questions are geared toward diagnosing a specific pain complaint, providing specific information about diagnosis, localizing pain pathology, or evaluating for urgent referral or next steps in the management of pain. Surpassed only by the patient history, a detailed physical examination is a very useful tool a pain physician can utilize. In contrast to the subjective nature of the history, the examination provides objective data that can be utilized to correctly guide treatments. Key to the physical exam is not only understanding the mechanics of the exam maneuvers used, but what constitutes a positive finding and the clinical correlation thereof.