From the Popular Press: What Your Patients are Reading:

Imaging scans and x-rays are largely ineffective at locating the source of low back pain, despite their widespread use. Furthermore, such scans might do more harm than good. According to results of six clinical trials, patients who underwent scans for back pain did not heal any faster or have any greater alleviation from pain or anxiety than those who were not scanned. In those who were scanned, a majority had scans showing disk problems even when they had healthy backs. Scans often unearth degenerative disks or arthritis that are very weakly associated with back pain and may lead to unnecessary surgery. Radiation exposure is another negative to imaging scans. Low back pain is the second most common chief complaint that Americans seek medical attention for, but many of them do not need x-rays or MRIs. Most back pain resolves itself within a month, but if it persists longer than 30 days, imaging scans and further treatment may be needed.

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