Clinical Exams & Diagnostic Testing for Chronic Pain

Introduction: Why Chronic Pain Needs a Root-Cause Approach

Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something deeper is wrong—but simply masking symptoms with medications doesn’t solve the problem. At Patients Medical in NYC, we offer a comprehensive diagnostic approach using advanced clinical exams and integrative lab testing to uncover the true sources of your pain—whether musculoskeletal, neurological, hormonal, or inflammatory.

Our goal is to treat the root cause of pain—not just suppress it.

What Is Chronic Pain and Why Is Diagnosis So Complex?

Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting longer than 12 weeks, often persisting after injury recovery. It may be localized or systemic, and is frequently misunderstood or misdiagnosed.

Common causes include:

  • Nerve damage (neuropathy, sciatica)
  • Joint degeneration (arthritis, disc disease)
  • Autoimmune triggers (fibromyalgia, lupus, Lyme)
  • Hormonal imbalance (thyroid, estrogen, cortisol)
  • Gut inflammation (leaky gut, IBS)
  • Toxic overload (heavy metals, mold)
  • Post-viral or long COVID symptoms

Pain is rarely caused by just one factor. That’s why our diagnostic process is multi-layered and personalized.

Comprehensive Clinical Exams We Use

At your first visit, we conduct an in-depth physical and functional exam, including:

Advanced Diagnostics for Hidden Pain Triggers

We go beyond surface-level imaging to investigate biochemical, hormonal, and immune system factors that often fuel chronic pain:

Functional Lab Tests Include:

  • Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, cytokines)
  • Autoimmune panels (ANA, rheumatoid factor, Lyme testing)
  • Cortisol and adrenal function testing
  • Comprehensive thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3)
  • Sex hormone panel (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA)
  • GI MAP or stool tests for gut bacteria, leaky gut, candida
  • Heavy metal analysis (lead, mercury, arsenic)
  • Vitamin and nutrient panels (B12, magnesium, D, zinc)
  • MTHFR and detox gene variants

Imaging (when necessary):

  • X-rays
  • MRI or CT scan referrals
  • Bone density scans
  • Ultrasound for joint/tendon evaluation

Case Study: Susan’s Breakthrough with Diagnostic Testing

Susan, 58, came to us with 6 years of widespread joint pain, fatigue, and “fibromyalgia-like” symptoms. Her previous workups showed nothing abnormal, and she was prescribed painkillers and antidepressants.

We performed:

  • A gut health panel revealing severe dysbiosis
  • Elevated CRP and low vitamin D
  • Adrenal fatigue with low cortisol
  • Mild hypothyroidism with elevated reverse T3

Her customized plan included:

  • Gut healing protocol
  • Vitamin D and magnesium repletion
  • Thyroid support
  • Adaptogenic herbs for cortisol
  • Anti-inflammatory diet

Result: After 90 days, her daily pain reduced by 70%, she had more energy, and no longer needed daily NSAIDs.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

We combine physical exams with advanced functional medicine testing that looks at inflammation, hormones, gut health, and toxins—going far beyond standard pain clinics.

No. We can evaluate your symptoms and refer you for imaging if medically necessary.

Back pain, joint pain, muscle pain, nerve pain, migraines, and chronic widespread pain are just a few examples.

Some are. We’re an out-of-network provider and will provide superbills for possible reimbursement.

Yes. Once testing is complete, we can review results and treatment options by phone or video.

Absolutely. We collaborate with your existing care team to provide integrative support.

Yes. Many patients come to us for a deeper diagnostic evaluation when conventional answers fall short.

Typically 2–4 weeks depending on labs, imaging, and availability.

Yes. All findings are used to create a fully personalized treatment protocol.

Our holistic evaluations often uncover root causes missed by traditional testing—even in cases labeled “mystery pain.”

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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