Injuries are a common occurrence in sports and active living. Whether it's a sprained ankle on the running trail or a nagging back pain that hinders performance, finding an accurate diagnosis often leads to more advanced diagnostic tools. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has become a go-to tool for visualizing the body's inner workings, providing detailed images of muscles, ligaments, and bones.
MRI provides a detailed look at muscles, ligaments, and bones, revealing injuries that might not be visible in other diagnostic tools.
But what if an MRI result doesn't tell the whole story?
An MRI can reveal abnormalities that seem to correlate with pain, yet many individuals with similar findings experience no discomfort at all. Conversely, intense pain might exist without any significant MRI findings. This disconnect between what's seen on the screen and what's felt in the body can lead to confusion, misdiagnosis, and even unnecessary treatments.
The Complexity of Pain
A recent research study in Germany investigated the association between lumbar degenerative MRI findings and low back pain (LBP) in a large population-based cohort. The researchers examined 3369 participants, analyzing their lumbar MRI scans and tracking their low back pain status over six years. The study found that 76.4% of participants had at least one MRI finding, and 8.3% had five or more different MRI findings. The study concluded that the MRI degenerative findings examined do not have clinically important associations with low back pain. The effects were almost all less than one unit on a 0 to 10 pain scale, indicating that MRI results may not be as reliable as once thought in predicting or understanding low back pain.
Pain is influenced by more than just physical factors; understanding the complete picture is crucial for accurate diagnosis
Pain is a multifaceted experience influenced by physical, psychological, and social factors. An MRI only provides a snapshot of the anatomical aspect, ignoring other crucial elements like emotional stress or lifestyle factors that might contribute to the pain. A thorough physical examination and patient history are essential to diagnosis and often provide more insight into the patient's condition than the MRI alone.
At Resilience Physical Therapy, we recognize the complexity of pain and use a comprehensive approach, considering the patient's symptoms, history, goals, and overall condition in our treatments.
Our treatments are tailored to the individual's specific needs and goals, ensuring that the care is aligned with their unique situation.
We go beyond treating symptoms and work on improving overall function and performance.
Besides just treatment, we equip our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their recovery.
Reference: Kasch R, Truthmann J, Hancock MJ, Maher CG, Otto M, Nell C, Reichwein N, Bülow R, Chenot JF, Hofer A, Wassilew G, Schmidt CO. Association of Lumbar MRI Findings with Current and Future Back Pain in a Population-based Cohort Study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2022 Feb 1;47(3):201-211. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004198. PMID: 34405825.