You are not your MRI

If you’ve ever had an x-ray or MRI of your spine it probably came back with some findings on it. Findings on imaging is prevalent, especially degenerative changes (arthritis, degenerative disc, etc). These findings often do not correlate with pain or dysfunction. In a study with over 1,200 people WITHOUT pain over 90% of people over 60 years old had degenerative changes. Over 50% of people 30-39 years old had disc degeneration and 37% of 20 year old’s. Remember these are all people without back pain which indicates these findings on MRI may not be significant. 

Findings on images also change over time. Disc herniations have been shown to regress and heal over time. 96% of disc sequestration were shown to regress within 6 months. Your body has the ability to heal and recover from injury.

So what if you have back pain and have findings on an MRI? Does this mean that the findings are what is causing your pain? Not necessarily! The findings may be incidental and could have been there before you even developed pain. Pain is complex and has many factors - most of which you are in control of. 

The current guidelines recommend AGAINST routine imagining for low back pain. If you did get an x-ray or MRI, just realize that the findings do not mean you are guaranteed a life of back pain or dysfunction.