If you’re dealing with lower back pain, it’s natural to want to get a scan—whether it’s an MRI, CT, or X-ray—to figure out what’s going on. However, these scans often don’t tell the full story when it comes to everyday back pain. They can sometimes lead to unnecessary treatments or cause more anxiety than relief. In most cases, the key to recovery lies not in the scan, but in rebuilding your strength, staying active, and working with a supportive clinician who understands the bigger picture, including your lifestyle and stress levels.
Scans Don’t Always Tell the Whole Story
Many people believe that scans will pinpoint the exact cause of their back pain. But what you might not realize is that many people without back pain show things like disc bulges, herniations, or spinal degeneration on their scans. In fact, studies have shown that by age 40, nearly 60% of people have disc degeneration—even if they don’t have any pain at all. This can lead to a confusing situation where your scan might look “abnormal,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the source of your pain.
Common Findings in People Without Pain
Research has revealed some surprising statistics about people with “normal” backs but abnormal scans:
- MRI scans: By age 40, 60% of people have disc degeneration, and by age 80, nearly everyone does. Yet many of these people feel no pain at all.
- CT scans: These scans, which are often used to look at bones, frequently show things like degenerative changes or small fractures in people who have no symptoms.
- X-rays: While helpful for seeing bones, X-rays can also show things like arthritis or bone spurs that are common as we age. However, many people with these findings have no pain whatsoever.
When Scans Are Truly Necessary
That said, there are definitely times when a scan is essential. If your healthcare provider suspects a serious condition, such as a fracture, infection, or cancer, then a scan is a critical tool. For instance:
- Fractures: If you’ve had a recent injury, such as a fall or car accident, and there’s a concern about a bone fracture, an X-ray or CT scan is important to rule that out.
- Infection: If you have signs of an infection (such as a fever, recent illness, or a compromised immune system) and severe back pain, an MRI can help detect infections in the spine.
- Cancer: If there are red flags like unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest, a scan can help rule out or confirm a more serious diagnosis.
In these cases, scans provide crucial information that helps guide treatment. But for the majority of lower back pain cases, especially those without red flags, conservative care, like rehab and strengthening exercises, should be the first step.
The Real Key: Movement and Strength
What most people don’t realize is that lower back pain is often best treated with movement and strength-building exercises. Your back is designed to move, and avoiding activity due to fear can make the pain worse. A well-structured rehab program that focuses on retraining your muscles, improving your posture, and strengthening your core can make a huge difference in your recovery.
The body is incredibly resilient, and your back is no exception. Through targeted exercises, you can build up the muscles that support your spine, making your back stronger and more capable of handling daily life without pain. This is where working with a knowledgeable clinician who can guide you through this process is so valuable.
The Role of a Supportive Clinician
While movement and strength retraining are key, the journey to recovery is much smoother with a clinician who truly supports you—not just by focusing on your back, but by addressing your overall well-being. Lower back pain is often influenced by factors like stress, sleep quality, and lifestyle habits, all of which can play a huge role in how you feel.
A good clinician will take the time to understand these aspects of your life. They’ll help you manage stress, develop healthier routines, and support you mentally as you rebuild your strength. This holistic approach is essential for not just relieving pain, but preventing future flare-ups and helping you feel your best in the long run.
Conclusion: Rebuild, Don’t Just Rest
It’s easy to feel like your back is fragile, especially if a scan shows something abnormal. But in most cases, your back is stronger than you think—and the real solution lies in rebuilding that strength through movement and guided exercises. Scans have their place, especially in ruling out serious issues like fractures, infections, or cancer. But for the vast majority of people, focusing on movement, strength, and overall well-being is the path to long-term recovery.
By working with a supportive clinician who understands not just your physical symptoms, but also how your lifestyle, stress, and habits affect your health, you’ll have the best chance at overcoming lower back pain and getting back to doing the things you love.
