A study published February 7, 2009 in The Lancet concludes that imaging (MRI, CT Scan, X-Ray) has no effect on outcomes for patients with low back pain*.
According to Dr. Roger Chou, of the Oregon Health and Science University, "Patients with low back pain who had radiography, MRI, or CT scans done without a clear indication had no significant improvement in pain or function in the short or long term through 12 months compared with patients who did not have imaging done."
I don't think this is a surprise really. After all, the purpose of these studies is to help diagnose the patient; not treat the patient. It's what happens after the MRI or CT Scan that drives the outcome.
I had an MRI after a skiing accident last year and discovered a large disc herniation. Knowing this, I did certain things to help my self recover. Now, if the MRI had shown a small disc bulge or only degenerative changes, I would have done different things. The presence of pathology must be correlated with the patient's history and other exam findings to arrive at a diagnosis. THEN, you treat based on those findings.
Wouldn't it be more helpful to look at what is done for people with a disc herniation following MRI and figure out why things turn out the way they do?
DK
*Chou R, et al "Imaging strategies for low-back pain: systematic review and
meta-analysis" Lancet 2009; 373: 463-72.
