The history should include the following information about the pain: Timing (onset, persistence [whether constant or intermittent], pattern and degree of fluctuation and frequency of remissions, duration) Quality (eg, sharp, dull, crampy, burning, aching, shooting) Severity Location (localized, diffuse, deep, superficial) Radiation pattern Exacerbating and relieving factors Information from the history and physical examination help guide choice of laboratory and imaging tests to identify possible causes of pain.