Could an MRI for Low Back Pain actually HURT us more?!

Research has proposed that if an individual with low back pain gets diagnostic imaging (such as MRI) without any explanation of normal vs. abnormal findings FIRST - their perceived outcome of recovery is drastically diminished.

Compare that to an individual who was explained that arthritis or degenerative disc disease is merely a 'wrinkle on your inside" or that a disc 'bulge', 'protrusion', or 'herniation' could merely be a "kiss of time and age." These individuals had much better perception of their prognosis leading to a full recovery.

As a matter of fact, up to 30% of people WITHOUT low back pain have one of the aforementioned 'diagnosis-es.' Again, these are folks without any symptoms or issues whatsoever - out there walking around this wonderful earth with a 'slipped disc.' or Degenerative Disc Disease.

Makes me wonder what would happen to an individual as such if I were to tell them the bleak news. Would they suddenly start feeling phantom pains? Would they move or act differently? Maybe more guarded or hesitant?

Clinically; I believe that a thorough movement assessment and physical exam is warranted FIRST before imaging. This is coming from a guy who just referred out for 7 MRIs in the past two weeks by the way.

The point is that we should examine how a 'diagnosis' effects and affects our patients/clients first. Their body is THEIRS. That means it might not respond or react anywhere similar to anyone else who also has a low back - with or without pain.

What do you think? How do you describe these issues? Do you over-diagnose? Are you a victim of WebMD making you think you’re falling apart?!

Drop your comments and thoughts below!