Do You Really Need an MRI for Your Back Pain?
Back pain can be frustrating, disruptive, and sometimes downright scary. If you've been dealing with it for a while, you might think, Should I get an MRI to figure out what's wrong? While MRIs can provide detailed images of your spine, they're not always the best first step—and in many cases, they might not even be necessary.
As a physical therapy and chiropractic practice, we emphasize conservative care first because research consistently shows that most back pain resolves without invasive testing or treatments. Let’s break down when an MRI might be helpful and why jumping to imaging can sometimes do more harm than good.
What the Research Says About MRIs and Back Pain
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine revealed that many people without back pain have “abnormal” findings on MRIs, such as herniated discs or degenerative changes. In fact:
30% of people in their 30s have disc bulges, even if they have no symptoms.
This number jumps to 80% in people over 60.
These findings show that what you see on an MRI doesn’t always explain your pain. Sometimes, these "issues" are just normal parts of aging and not the cause of your discomfort.
Additionally, studies suggest that early imaging often leads to unnecessary interventions, like injections or even surgery, without better outcomes in the long term.
When Is an MRI Necessary?
While most cases of back pain improve with conservative care like physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and exercise, there are situations when an MRI may be warranted:
Severe symptoms: If you’re experiencing numbness, weakness, or loss of control in your legs or bowel/bladder, imaging is essential.
Pain that doesn’t improve: If your pain hasn’t improved after 6-8 weeks of targeted care, further investigation might be needed.
Trauma: If your pain follows a significant injury (e.g., a car accident or fall), imaging can rule out fractures or other serious issues.
The Benefits of Conservative Care First
Rather than rushing to an MRI, starting with conservative care allows you to address the root causes of your pain. Physical therapy and chiropractic care can:
Improve movement and posture.
Reduce pain and inflammation.
Strengthen muscles to prevent future episodes.
In many cases, you’ll see significant improvement within a few weeks. Plus, you’ll avoid the stress and cost of unnecessary imaging.
Final Thoughts
If you're dealing with back pain, take a deep breath—most cases aren’t as serious as they feel. Rather than jumping to an MRI, consult a trusted healthcare provider who can guide you through conservative care. At Key to Change Wellness, we help people just like you move better, feel stronger, and get back to the activities they love—without unnecessary imaging or invasive treatments.
If your pain isn’t improving or you’re experiencing red flag symptoms, we’ll guide you toward the next steps, including imaging if necessary. But in most cases, the best first step is simple: move, strengthen, and trust the process.
Ready to take the first step? Reach out today to see how we can help!