Walking away from the emergency room with a normal X-ray can be reassuring, but it doesn’t always explain why you’re still in pain. Lingering pain or joint discomfort after an accident, sports injury, or fall could indicate injuries that X-rays simply can’t detect. Soft tissues, nerves, and spinal structures often require a closer evaluation.
At Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, double board-certified pain physicians Dr. John Brendel and Dr. Matthew Thorson help people in Hudson, Rice Lake, and Altoona, WI, find the source of lingering pain after an accident. Dr. Thorson is the area’s only ultra-minimally invasive spine surgery specialist, and Dr. Brendel brings nearly 25 years of experience treating complex pain conditions.
What Can an X-Ray Miss?
X-rays are excellent for showing broken bones and joint alignment, but they cannot clearly show many soft tissue injuries. After an accident, pain may come from structures that don’t appear on an X-ray, including:
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle strains
- Herniated discs
- Nerve compression
- Tendon injuries
- Early inflammation around joints or the spine
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Pain that lasts beyond the first few days after an injury deserves medical attention, especially if you notice:
- Pain that continues to worsen
- Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- Weakness or difficulty walking
- Persistent headaches after an accident
- Pain that keeps you from sleeping or working
- Limited movement in your neck, back, or joints
These symptoms may indicate injuries that require additional testing or specialized treatment.
Finding the Source of Your Pain
When pain doesn’t match your X-ray results, further evaluation may be appropriate. Depending on your symptoms, your physician may recommend advanced imaging such as an MRI or CT scan, along with a thorough physical examination to identify the injured tissues.
Once the source of your pain is identified, treatment may include image-guided injections, regenerative orthobiologic therapies, minimally invasive spinal procedures, medication management, or other interventional pain treatments to reduce pain and improve function.
Get Answers About Your Pain in Hudson, WI
Living with ongoing pain after an accident can be frustrating, especially when you’ve been told your X-rays are normal. The team at Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin helps people in Hudson and Rice Lake uncover the cause of persistent pain and recommend treatments that fit their condition.
Call 715-234-7246 to schedule a consultation and learn what may be causing your symptoms.