Does Scoliosis Always Get Worse With Age?
Scoliosis often appears early in life, between ages 10 and 15. Here’s what you can expect from scoliosis as you get older.
Why Your MRI Shows Nothing But Your Back Still Hurts
When searching for answers about your back pain, you might assume a detailed imaging test, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, would tell you everything you need to know. In an ideal case, your radiologist could point to the damage in the images, and your doctor would know how to treat you accordingly.
Unfortunately, diagnosing back pain isn’t always so simple. Research shows that only 5-10% of low back pain is traceable to a specific underlying cause. This means that, in up to 95% of cases, an MRI scan wouldn’t show a specific injury-causing low back pain or be inconclusive.
Board-certified physiatrist Stephanie Clop, MD, and the Integrated Spine and Pain Services team use many avenues to narrow down the cause of back pain so they can treat you effectively.
At Alexandria and Falls Church, Virginia, offices, Dr. Clop and the team explore back pain by reviewing your symptoms and medical history, providing physical exams, and sometimes using diagnostic injections with contrast dye. MRI scans and other imaging tests can also offer insight.
Are you wondering why your MRI didn’t give you the expected answers? Here’s what you need to know.
The research on MRIs and diagnosing back pain
MRI scans are never the main focus when diagnosing back pain, but they’re sometimes used alongside other tests.
The research says that MRI findings aren’t always conclusive for diagnosing back pain and can even lead to ineffective care if a doctor mistakenly attributes the back pain to something unrelated seen on the scan.
You might not need any imaging tests to determine what’s causing your back pain, as Dr. Clop may determine the cause based on your medical history and a physical exam.
Back problems an MRI can show
Some back injuries aren’t easily spottable on MRI scans, but others show up clearly. Disc problems like herniated discs or degenerative disc disease are common causes of back pain. Yet, not everyone with a disc issue will experience pain.
Even though an MRI can show disc problems, the scan might not be useful for pinpointing the cause of your pain. Even if an MRI scan shows a disc problem, the pain can come from another, less detectable injury.
Interestingly, about 97% of MRI scans show some degree of disc degeneration. This includes scans of people who don’t report back pain and who got a diagnostic MRI for unrelated reasons.
MRI scans can also show spinal cancer, infections, and stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
When MRIs help diagnose back pain
Typically, doctors use MRIs to help diagnose back only under specific circumstances. Dr. Clop might recommend an MRI as one of the first diagnostic steps if you:
- Have a history of cancer
- Have a fever with your back pain
- Recently fell, were in a car accident, or have other possible traumatic injuries
- Experience leg numbness or weakness with your back pain
- Have trouble standing or walking
- Experience bladder or bowel concerns like incontinence
Dr. Clop might also recommend an MRI scan if your back pain worsens or doesn’t improve with treatment.
Get effective back pain care today
Although an MRI might have the answers, other diagnostic strategies might be better in your case. If you’re still searching for the cause of your back pain and effective treatment, call your nearest Integrated Spine and Pain Services to book an appointment today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
What to Do Immediately After Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation can treat spinal pain without surgery by stopping nerve pain signals with radio waves. Here’s what you should do after treatment for a smooth recovery.
The Top 3 Treatments for a Herniated Disc
Treating a herniated disc doesn’t have to be complicated: The top three treatments are quite conservative. Learn more about them here.
When to Consider Spinal Cord Stimulation for Failed Back Syndrome
Going through back surgery and not getting the relief you expected can be frustrating. Here’s when spinal cord stimulation is your best next step.
Why Does My Sciatica Keep Switching Sides?
Changes in the location of your symptoms can be confusing, but that doesn’t mean your sciatica is untreatable. Here’s why your sciatica pain might alternate from one leg to another.
4 Reasons Why You Keep Getting Herniated Discs
Tired of dealing with the constant back pain from herniated discs? There is probably an underlying reason. Learn what might be causing those repeated injuries and how to protect your spine.