Lower back pain affects millions of people worldwide, prompting many to seek medical imaging such as MRIs and X-rays for answers. But what happens when these sophisticated technologies reveal “problems” that have nothing to do with the actual source of pain? This disconnect is more common than most patients realize.
The human spine is remarkably complex, and imaging often reveals normal age-related changes that sound alarming when described in medical reports. Disc bulges, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis are frequently spotted on scans of entirely pain-free individuals. In fact, research shows that about 30-40% of people in their thirties with no back pain already have disc bulges visible on MRI.
This creates what pain specialists call the “imaging paradox” – the mismatch between what’s seen on imaging and what’s actually causing pain. A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that among adults without any back pain symptoms, 64% had at least one abnormal finding on their MRI. By age 60, nearly 90% of pain-free individuals show some form of disc degeneration.
Why does this matter? Because the rush to imaging can lead to unnecessary treatments, surgeries, and anxiety. When a patient undergoes an MRI for back pain and discovers they have a bulging disc, it’s natural to assume this must be the culprit. However, that bulging disc might have been present for years without causing issues, while the actual pain stems from a muscle strain or inflamed facet joint that doesn’t show up as dramatically on imaging.
Current clinical guidelines now recommend against routine imaging for typical lower back pain within the first six weeks unless specific “red flags” are present – such as trauma, suspected infection, or symptoms suggesting serious underlying conditions. Most back pain resolves with conservative management like physical therapy, appropriate movement, and time.
If you have had an MRI and are not sure what to do next then CALL our office today to Schedule a FREE NO Obligation, Discovery Visit with one of our experts.
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When imaging is necessary, healthcare providers are increasingly careful about correlating findings with clinical symptoms rather than treating the scan. This approach recognizes that pain is complex and rarely explained by a single structural issue visible on imaging.
For patients, understanding this paradox is empowering. If your doctor doesn’t immediately order an MRI for your back pain, it’s not because they’re dismissing your symptoms. Rather, they’re practicing evidence-based medicine and avoiding the potential pitfalls of incidental findings that could lead to unnecessary interventions.
The next time back pain strikes, remember that our bodies are not simply machines with broken parts. Pain involves complex interactions between physical structures, nervous system sensitivity, and even psychological factors. Sometimes, the most high-tech solution isn’t necessarily the best starting point for finding relief.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment for back pain.
Make sure you are proactive in your health and don’t ignore the little sensations you are feeling in your back. This is part of The 3D’s principle I adhere to. Don’t Ignore it, Don’t Mask It, Do Something About It.
Regardless of your reason and severity of symptoms, the team at MOSS Rehabilitation Center is ready to help you get what you really want so you can thrive and not just survive.
Act now – call the office NOW 817-220-6677 to request my 100% FREE Report Top 10 Burning Questions for Lumbar Pain and Sciatica Report. Or if you want the report right now, please CLICK HERE and you can download it instantly.
“A healthy man has thousands of wishes, a sick man has only one”. – Agnes Karll Schwest Krankenpfleger
Remember the KEY is to start so small that it is impossible to fail. –Kaizen
We love helping everyday people get back to doing the things they love to do.
At MOSS Rehabilitation Center we make it easy for you to get started. We even have a simple 3 step process.
1. Schedule a FREE NO Obligation, Discovery Visit with one of our experts. During this visit, you will talk with one of our friendly experts about your issues. This is a safe and confidential visit, you can trust that your safety and privacy is important to us.
2. Receive a Customized (Individualized) Treatment Plan. Based on your free discovery visit, we will put together a custom, unique to you plan that will address all of your nagging pains and issues. The goal is to get you back to your healthy self as soon as possible while also addressing your issues for the long term.
3. Get Your Life Back and Do What You Love. The best result for us is a patient who tells us they can finally do what they love without the constant pain, stress, or issue they were facing. Together we can get you back to living life without worry.
NEXT ACTION: If you are really serious about fixing your lower back pain and want to do something about it, start by calling 817-220-6677 today to schedule your FREE NO OBLIGATION Discovery Visit or talk to one of our experts to find out a proper next step.
To your health,
Dr. Robert Moss PT, ScD, OCS, FAAOMPT
PS. No one will ask for any money for anything when you call 817-220-6677 to request your free report which is perfect for those who are suffering with balance issues.
