The term “VOMIT” (Victim Of Medical Imaging Technology) aptly captures a concerning phenomenon in modern healthcare. Coined by British radiologist Richard Harrington, this acronym describes patients who suffer psychological distress or receive unnecessary treatments due to incidental findings on medical scans—findings that may have little clinical significance but create significant anxiety.
For patients with lower back pain, the VOMIT effect can be particularly problematic. When an MRI reveals a bulging disc, degenerative changes, or other abnormalities, both patients and some practitioners may fixate on these visible “problems” as the definitive cause of pain. However, these findings often represent normal age-related changes that exist in many pain-free individuals.
The psychological impact of receiving such diagnoses can be profound. Patients commonly experience:
- Fear-avoidance behaviors: Reducing movement out of concern for “damaging” their spine further
- Catastrophizing: Believing their condition is severe and unlikely to improve
- Identity shifts: Beginning to view themselves as “broken” or permanently disabled
- Nocebo effects: Experiencing increased pain due to negative expectations
Research shows that simply knowing about an imaging abnormality can alter a person’s perception of their body and pain. One study found that patients who received an MRI for back pain were less likely to report recovery than those who didn’t have imaging—even when controlling for symptom severity and duration.
The VOMIT phenomenon also drives unnecessary treatments. When imaging reveals structural abnormalities, it creates pressure to “fix” what appears broken. This can lead to injections, surgeries, and other interventions that carry risks and may address only incidental findings rather than the true pain generators.
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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Healthcare providers increasingly recognize this challenge and are adopting approaches that minimize the VOMIT effect. These include:
- Explaining imaging findings in context, emphasizing that many abnormalities are normal variants
- Using less alarming terminology when discussing results
- Focusing on functional assessments rather than imaging alone
- Practicing judicious use of imaging, ordering scans only when clinically indicated
For patients navigating back pain, understanding the VOMIT concept can be empowering. It reminds us that imaging technology, while valuable, provides just one piece of a complex puzzle. The human experience of pain involves biological, psychological, and social factors that no scan can fully capture.
Being informed about the limitations of imaging technology—and the potential harm of overemphasizing its findings—can help patients advocate for comprehensive care that addresses the full spectrum of factors contributing to their pain.
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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.
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.
