Episode 2: Imaging and Back Pain

<p>How much is imaging (x-rays, MRI) related to low back pain. You might be surprised by the answer- very little. Especially, in the absence of trauma (fall, accident), getting imaging is not even recommended by the American Medical Association. &nbsp;People who do get imaging done, either by their primary care physician or an orthopedist, are more likely to spend more time and money for their care, are more likely to get injections, be prescribed opioids, and are more likely to eventually get surgery- with no improvement in overall outcome had they just sought conservative care! Changes in your spine are just part of normal aging! Studies done on thousands of asymptomatic individuals with back and neck pain are impossible to tell apart from people in pain. Pain is much more complex and likely unrelated to any x-ray or MRI findings. Save time, save money, save your physical and mental health and go see a physical therapist first!&nbsp;</p>