Back pain and sciatica are among the most common health complaints. Almost everyone will have back pain at some time in their life. Most of the time, the exact cause of the pain cannot be found.
An MRI scan is an imaging test that can create detailed pictures of the spine. This article focuses on MRI scans to evaluate low back pain.
DANGER SIGNS AND BACK PAIN
Both you and your doctor will often be worried that something serious may be causing your low back pain. Could your pain be caused by cancer or infection in your spine? How does your doctor know for sure?
You will likely need an MRI right away if you have warning signs of a more serious cause of back pain:
If you have low back pain but none of the warning signs mentioned about, research shows that getting an MRI does NOT lead to better treatment, better pain relief, or a quicker return to activities.
You and your doctor may want to wait before ordering an MRI. If the pain does not get better or becomes worse, your doctor will likely order one.
Remember:
MRI and CT scans create detailed pictures of your spine. It can pick up most injuries that you have had in your spine. As a result they often find small problems or changes that are not the cause of your current back pain. These findings will rarely change how your doctor first treats you.
However, small problems or changes seen on MRI scan can lead to:
RISKS OF MRI SCAN
Contrast (dye) used with MRI scans can rarely cause severe allergic reactions or damage to your kidneys.
The strong magnetic fields created during an MRI can cause heart pacemakers and other implants not to work as well. It can also cause a piece of metal inside your body to move or shift. Tell your health care providers about any metal objects that you may have on your body.
Chou R, Qaseem A, Owens DK, Shekelle P; for the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Diagnostic Imaging for Low Back Pain: Advice for High-Value Health Care From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2011 Feb 1;154(3):181-189.
Updated by: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
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