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 holding an image in your hands, pointing to a specific spot, and saying "that's where it hurts." As one recent study stated, patients frequently 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 trusted chiropractic partncer at Aaron Chiropractic Clinic, we need to share an important truth: imaging doesn't always expose the real cause of your discomfort.
THE IMAGE-PAIN DISCONNECT
Research consistently demonstrates a surprising disconnect between what appears on imaging and what patients really feel. A comprehensive 2025 systematic review assessing lumbar spinal stenosis—a condition where the spinal canal narrows—found that imaging findings don't reliably predict long-term outcomes or symptom severity. (2) Many patients with significant stenosis seen on MRI experience minimal pain, while others with minimal imaging changes are quite painful.
Studies have also shown that many people without any back pain have disc bulges, herniations, and arthritis seen 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 all together. Rather, it highlights why your clinical examination is just as—if not more—vital. When your chiropractor reviews your movement patterns, muscle strength, reflexes, and pain response to specific positions, they are gathering critical 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 might show disc bulges or arthritis, but these findings appear frequently in pain-free individuals too. What matters most is how your spine functions, not just how it looks.
This is where your chiropractor's training becomes invaluable. By incorporating imaging findings with hands-on examination, movement assessment, and your symptom history, they come up with a comprehensive understanding of your pain issue. This balanced approach leads to more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans just for your specific individual needs, rather than just treating what you see on a scan.
TRUST THE PROCESS
Yes, uncertainty can be unsettling, and desiring concrete answers through imaging is completely normal. But trust that your clinical evaluation at Aaron Chiropractic Clinic—combined with thoughtful interpretation of any imaging—provides the most complete picture of your spinal health. Together, we’ll develop a treatment plan based on the best available evidence and your individual presentation, not just images alone.
CONTACT Aaron Chiropractic Clinic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Mary Peterson on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as she describes the value of the system of Cox® Technic that leads the care of spine pain for best relief.
Be sure you have your next chiropractic appointment with us made soon!
