Why Your MRI Might Not Explain Your Whole Back Pain Story
We understand—when you're experiencing back pain, seeing an X-ray or MRI of your spine can feel reassuring. There's something clear about having a picture to look at, pointing to a specific area, and saying "that's where it hurts." As one recent study stated, patients often find "it's hard to trust an individual, it's easier to trust an image" when coping with the uncertainty of low back pain. (1) However, as your well-trained chiropractic partncer at Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, we want to share an important fact: imaging doesn't always reveal the real source of your discomfort.
THE IMAGE-PAIN DISCONNECT
Research consistently demonstrates a remarkable disconnect between what appears on imaging and what patients really feel. A comprehensive 2025 systematic review examining lumbar spinal stenosis—a condition where the spinal canal narrows—found that imaging findings don't dependably predict long-term outcomes or symptom severity. (2) Many patients with significant stenosis visible on MRI experience minimal pain, while others with minimal imaging changes suffer considerably.
Research shows that many pain-free individuals have disc bulges, herniations, and arthritis visible on their MRIs.. If we relied solely on imaging, we might treat findings that are not actually causing problems while [[missing}overlooking]31] the true source of your symptoms.
This isn't to dismiss imaging entirely. Rather, it highlights why your clinical examination is equally—if not more—key. When your chiropractor reviews your movement patterns, muscle strength, reflexes, and pain response to specific positions, they're gathering crucial information that images just cannot suppy.
THE COMPLETE CLINICAL PICTURE
Think of imaging as one chapter in your health journey, not the entire trip. Your MRI may reveal disc bulges or arthritis, but these findings are incredibly common in pain-free individuals too. What matters most is how your spine functions, not just how it looks.
This is where your chiropractor's expertise becomes invaluable. By integrating imaging findings with hands-on examination, movement assessment, and your symptom history, they create a comprehensive understanding of your condition. This balanced approach leads to more accurate diagnosis and applicable treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, rather than simply treating what appears on a scan.
TRUST THE PROCESS
Yes, uncertainty can be uncomfortable, and desiring concrete answers through imaging is completely natural. But trust that your clinical evaluation at Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre—combined with thoughtful interpretation of any imaging—delivers the most complete picture of your spinal health. Together, we’ll come up with a treatment strategy based on the best available evidence and your individual presentation, not only the images.
CONTACT Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Mary Peterson on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as she describes the benefit of the system of Cox® Technic that guides care of spine pain for best relief.
Be sure you have your next chiropractic appointment with us scheduled soon!
