Do I Need an MRI for Back Pain? When Imaging Helps

When is an MRI needed right away?

When there are signs of a more serious cause, such as infection, cancer, fracture or nerve damage.

MedlinePlus lists warning signs that usually call for an MRI right away, including:

Back pain that's very severe and not helped even by pain pills from your provider.
A recent serious fall or injury.
Fever, a history of cancer, or other signs of cancer.
A leg that's numb or weak and getting worse.
Trouble walking or loss of balance.
Being unable to pass or control urine or stools.
Severe back pain in a child.

Why might my doctor wait?

Because most back pain improves within weeks, and early MRIs usually don't change treatment.

Most people with back pain improve or recover within 4 to 6 weeks, and providers usually don't order spine tests during that time unless there are certain symptoms (MedlinePlus). For low back pain without warning signs, MedlinePlus says an MRI won't lead to better treatment, better pain relief or a quicker return to activities.

Can an MRI cause problems?

The scan is safe for most people, but the findings can mislead and lead to treatment you don't need.

MRI picks up injuries and age-related changes, including small problems that aren't the cause of your current pain. Those findings rarely change first treatment, but they can lead to more tests, extra worry, and treatment for normal aging changes (MedlinePlus). Worry can also make people avoid activity, which can slow recovery. MRI also isn't safe with some implants and metal, and contrast dye can rarely cause allergic reactions or kidney problems.

MRI, X-ray or CT: what's the difference?

Each shows different structures. The question being asked decides which one, if any.

Test	Best at showing	Notes
X-ray	Bone, alignment, slips that move on bending	Quick; doesn't show discs or nerves well
MRI	Discs, nerves, spinal cord, soft tissue	No radiation; not for some implants (Cleveland Clinic)
CT	Detailed bone, such as fractures or bone spurs	Uses radiation; sometimes used when MRI isn't possible

Do I need an MRI for spinal decompression?

Not to ask questions or get a consultation. Whether imaging is needed before treatment depends on your exam.

If you already have an MRI, bring the report and images: the clinic offers a free MRI review. If you don't, Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC will tell you after the exam whether he thinks imaging is needed first, for example to check for conditions that would rule decompression out. Call (801) 491-8688.

MRI FAQs

When do you need an MRI for back pain?

Right away for warning signs such as severe pain that pain pills do not help, fever, a history of cancer, a serious fall, a leg that is getting more numb or weak, or bladder or bowel problems. Otherwise, usually only if pain does not improve after several weeks (MedlinePlus).

Will an MRI help my back pain heal faster?

Not without warning signs. MedlinePlus says that for low back pain without warning signs, an MRI will not lead to better treatment, better pain relief or a quicker return to activities.

Do I need an MRI before spinal decompression?

Not to ask questions or have a consultation. Whether imaging is needed before treatment depends on your symptoms and exam, and the doctor will tell you if he recommends one.

Is an X-ray as good as an MRI?

They show different things. X-rays show bone and alignment; MRI shows discs, nerves and soft tissue (Cleveland Clinic). Which one makes sense depends on what the provider is looking for.

Are MRIs safe?

MRI uses magnets, not radiation, but it is not safe for everyone. Tell the technologist about pacemakers, implants or metal in your body; contrast dye can rarely cause allergic reactions or kidney problems (MedlinePlus).

Talk with Dr. Stapel about your pain

Call the office or request a free consultation. You'll talk through your symptoms and history, and you'll get an honest answer about whether spinal decompression is worth considering for you.

Call (801) 491-8688 Request a Free Consultation

The consultation is free, with no obligation to start treatment. Have an MRI? Ask about the free MRI review.

Sources

This website is operated for Stapel Family Chiropractic (Springville Disc Center) in Springville, Utah. Care is provided by Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC, a licensed chiropractic physician. About this site.