Searching for the cause could potentially take years. (i know this personally.) until the cause is found, the symptoms need to be treated. severe pain can ruin a persons life. ?

Question?: I agree pain should be treated until a cause can be found. The disagreement usually occurs when dr and patient have different ideas about what level of pain relief is best. Acute pain may be treated with narcotics if nonaddictive drug do not give adequate relief. Long term pain is best treated with non narcotic solutions including PT, biofeedback, TENS, NSAIDS, and other modalities.