X-ray and MRI not needed
By Dr. Adam Cramer, PT, DPT; MyoFit Clinic
I meet many people in our community who come to me with X-ray or MRI results from an orthopedic surgeon, and a laundry list of diagnoses that often have little to do with their symptoms. To help you become better informed, avoid being manipulated by results, and prevent you from being driven by fear into inappropriate testing and poor outcomes, I want to shed some light on how significant these results actually are.
Let’s clarify some things to help you save time, money, stress and to get you effective treatment more quickly.
MRIs and other imaging advancements are very valuable in diagnosing, treating, monitoring, and managing numerous diseases. They have improved medical knowledge and interventions. They are absolutely necessary in many instances. However, it may surprise you to learn that medical guidelines “strongly” discourage the use of MRI and X-ray in diagnosing low back pain, because they produce so many false alarms.
Ever wonder why surgeons and physicians may say “we won’t know fully until we get in there,” despite the fact we have this awesome imaging? Well, interpreting imaging can be complicated. Even though we have this amazing technology, it is still difficult to determine with 100% certainty what an image shows.
If you took a random group of people who felt great, with no back pain whatsoever, and made them get MRIs just for kicks, over half of these pain-free people would have “positive” findings. Just having a “disc bulge,” “disc protrusion,” “degenerative disc,” “cartilage degeneration,” “joint space narrowing” or other “positive” finding on an MRI does not mean this is the cause of your symptoms and pain. This is even more true with each passing decade of life. The likelihood there will be a “positive” result on your MRI increases as you age, regardless of symptoms.
Embracing the idea that “there is something mechanically wrong with your back and joints” can lead to fear of movement, a hypersensitive nervous system, balance deficits and chronic pain. This will lead you to not moving at all due to fear of “making things worse,” when the reality is if you don’t move the way your physical therapist instructs it will dramatically make your symptoms worse.
If you are having difficulty walking because of pain, then why consult with a medical provider who is not trained to help you walk again? Physical therapists are the only providers licensed and trained to help you move normally again and eliminate pain, all while avoiding invasive procedures. Physical therapists will not “fear” you into making uninformed decisions regarding your health but will instead inform you properly on your diagnosis so you can make the best educated decision on what’s best for you.
The human body has not changed for thousands of years. Your muscles, spine and joints did not get here overnight and will not improve overnight. It takes consistency, dedication and a willingness to be informed properly. In doing so, you will have success. Your body and health are worth it, and you owe it to yourself.
So, I encourage you to seek care from an independent Doctor of Physical Therapy at MyoFit Clinic, where there is no conflict of interest. We can work with you to treat you as an individual, addressing your injury and symptoms, and not solely treat your imaging findings.
If you don’t want surgery, don’t see a provider who offers surgery. See a physical therapist who accepts in-network insurance benefits, which will enable you to receive the highest quality care to help you avoid surgery and return you to normal—pain-free.
Adam M. Cramer, PT, DPT, is a licensed physical therapist, pain specialist and founder and CEO of MyoFit Clinics in Chardon, Ashtabula and Middlefield, Ohio. Call 440-286-1007 for a consultation to avoid orthopedic surgery, or visit MyoFitClinic.com.