Do You Need A Scan For Your Low Back Pain?
If you’ve ever hurt your low back, you’ve probably wondered “Do I need to an X-ray or an MRI for it?”. This is actually a common question that health professionals receive from patients, as patients want to identify a specific cause for their Low Back Pain.
It is completely understandable as low back pain can be extremely debilitating and can limit your ability to complete acts of daily living.
However, assuming RED FLAGS (ex. fracture, tumours, infection, etc.) have been ruled out - here are a few reasons why scans are unnecessary.
Chronic Pain is Multifactorial
Chronic low back pain isn’t usually caused by one single issue, like a muscle strain or a disc bulge. Instead, it’s influenced by a combination of physical, emotional, and social factors—a concept known as the biopsychosocial model.
Biological factors, like muscle tension or joint irritation, play a role but don’t always correlate with the severity of pain.
Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and negative thinking, can amplify pain and slow recovery. On the other hand, a positive mindset and self-confidence can help reduce pain.
Social and environmental factors, including lack of support, work stress, or physical inactivity, can also influence how pain is experienced.
This means pain is rarely about just one “problem.” By addressing these factors holistically, you can better manage your pain and regain control over your life.
Scans Have Little to No Correlation to Back Pain
Surprisingly, studies show that findings on X-rays or MRIs often don’t align with the severity of a person’s pain—or even whether they’re in pain at all. In fact, patients that have no changes in their scans may even experience more pain than patients with changes.
Another important things to remember is that scans are only a snapshot in time. It is like looking at a picture. They can’t tell us whether changes are new, old, or even relevant to your current pain. Relying too heavily on imaging can sometimes lead to unnecessary worry or fear that your condition is worse than it really is.. We can only base our findings with the history and physical examination during our consultation to make an informed decision on our management plan (spoiler: it probably won’t change).
Unlikely to Change Your Management Plan
Regardless of the specific diagnosis (e.g., herniated disc, sprain, or strain), the management plan for low back pain is unlikely to change. The most effective treatment approaches focus on:
Manual therapy to alleviate discomfort.
Education about your condition and long-term prognosis.
Activity modification to reduce strain while you heal.
Exercise prescription to build strength, mobility, and resilience.
Scans often add little value to these tried-and-true approaches for recovery.
When to Consider Imaging
Of course, there are situations where imaging is essential—such as when serious "red flag" conditions are suspected. If you’re experiencing symptoms like significant weakness, loss of bowel/bladder control, or persistent pain that doesn’t improve with care, your healthcare provider will guide you toward appropriate diagnostic tests.
Rather than focusing on imaging, focus on what does help: a personalized care plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. With the right guidance, you can reduce pain, improve function, and get back to doing the things you love.
If you’re struggling with low back pain and unsure of your next steps, we’re here to help. Book an appointment today, and let’s create a plan to get you moving and feeling better—without unnecessary scans or confusion.
