How do doctors typically begin to identify the cause of a patient's pain?

Doctors typically begin to identify the cause of a patient's pain by asking about symptoms and medical history. This approach allows healthcare providers to gather crucial information regarding the patient's condition, such as the nature, location, duration, and factors that may exacerbate or alleviate the pain. In addition, understanding the patient's medical history can provide insights into previous conditions, treatments, or potential underlying issues that may contribute to the current pain.

Engaging in dialogue with the patient not only helps formulate a preliminary diagnosis but also guides physicians in deciding if further examinations or tests are necessary. This foundational step is critical in establishing a context for the pain, which ultimately influences treatment decisions and further diagnostic approaches.

Ordering scans, conducting surgery, or requiring psychological evaluations are actions that typically follow the initial assessment and are based on the insights gained during the patient interview and clinical evaluation. They are not the first steps in determining the cause of pain, making them less suitable options in this context.