I need to get an MRI to help with the management of my lower back pain
Answer – FICTION
The Evidence
In a recent narrative review, Wang and colleagues (2018) concluded that MRI imaging in the early stages of lower back pain can have detrimental effects including more pain, less improvement, higher risk of surgery and worse overall health status. In fact, one study reported that patients that received an MRI within the first month had an 8x greater risk for surgery and 5x more medical costs!
If you do NOT present with severe neurological deficits, signs of a serious or specific underlying condition or have persistent pain >6 weeks which is unresponsive to conservative treatment then there likely isn’t a need for further investigation!
To get help with your long standing back pain or even that acute flare up, give us a call on (07) 3102 3337 or book online so we can sort you out.
#praxiswhatyoupreach #praxisphysio #factorfictionfriday #physioeducation #preventprepareperform #pain #backpain #lowerbackpain #MRI #patienteducation
Wang Y, et al. Informed appropriate imaging for low back pain management: A narrative review. Journal of Orthopaedic Translation. 2018.
Until next time, Praxis What You Preach
📍 Clinics in Teneriffe, Buranda, and Carseldine
💪 Trusted by athletes. Backed by evidence. Here for everyone.
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