Research deepens questions about lower back mri

by | Mar 28, 2013 | Health Effects of the Environment and Medical System, Lower Back Health, Lower back pain | 0 comments

mri machine - doesn't always help diagnose low back pain

The March 25, 2013 edition of JAMA Internal Medicine tells the story: doctors are still ordering far too many lower back MRI’s of questionable value.

Investigators first established “expert” guidelines that identified situations in which MRI’s were likely to yield useful clinical information.

Then they studied 1,000 actual MRI prescriptions to see if the case records conformed to the guidelines.  Fewer than half of the MRI studies were found to have been appropriate.

Useless MRI’s are expensive and can be harmful, because they cause unnecessary anxiety and lead doctors to even more questionable and more dangerous diagnostic procedures.  The bottom line is that we’re spending billions of dollars a year on a phantom process of diagnosis.

MRI, lumbar epidural injections, and lower back pain

In a related article, researchers studied the use of MRI’s for patients who were candidates for epidural steroid injections.  These injections are commonly used in the medical community for people with back pain or sciatica who don’t seem to respond to other treatments.

In this group of patients, did the MRI help improve the outcome of the epidural injection?

Unfortunately, the answer is no.  Patients who received epidurals solely based on their physical signs got just as much pain relief as those whose physicians had a chance to review their MRI prior to treatment.

Palpation – the forgotten tool of diagnosis

What are the best ways to diagnose low back problems?  In a few cases, an MRI is needed.  But most people with back problems get more benefit from a physician who can listen attentively to your case history, palpate your muscles and joints, and assess your posture and functional movement performance.

Dr. Lavine has been an innovator in the use of movement and touch to promote health since 1981. He practices in New York City and Princeton, NJ.

________________________________________

Deepen Your Body of Knowledge

Low back MRI and discectomy recovery

Hidden costs of MRI scans, CT scans

Epidural injections for back pain and sciatica

 

 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ask Dr. Lavine about….

the cat-cow stretch can help with low back pain

Five star chiropractor

offers

8 best self-care tips for the health of your spine

To claim your free guide, simply enter your email address below.

You'll also be joining Dr. Lavine's e-mail list for periodic updates filled with useful health information and self-care strategies.

We value your privacy and will never spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Thank you! Please Check your inbox to validate your email

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share this post with your friends!