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Do I Need To Get A Scan For My Back Pain?

backpain
Diagnostic imaging such as MRI or CT is indicated for patients with low back pain only if they have severe progressive neurological deficits or signs or symptoms that suggest a serious underlying condition. Such as cancer, fracture or infection. Of the small proportion of patients with any of these conditions, almost all have an identifiable risk factor.

About 0.7% of patients presenting to primary care with low back pain have metastatic cancer, 4% have vertebral fractures and 0.01% have a spinal infection.

Both healthcare professionals and members of the public often consider getting a scan “just in case”. However, all the evidence suggests scans only show something truly important in a tiny minority of people with back pain. A brief consultation with a healthcare professional would usually be able to identify if a scan was really needed based on a person’s symptoms and medical history.

We used to think that if we got a good enough picture of the spine with scans that it would be a big help in solving the patients back pain. However, we now know that this is most often not the case. When people have scans for back pain, the scans often show up things that are poorly linked with pain.

In fact, studies have shown that even people who don’t have back pain have MRI scans that highlight the following

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Bulging discs in 30% of 20 years olds to 84% of those 80 years old.
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Degenerated discs in 37% of 20-year olds to 96% of 80-year-olds.

Remember, these people do NOT have pain!

Unfortunately, people with back pain are often told that these things indicate their back is damaged, and this can lead to further fear, distress and avoidance of activity. The fact is that many of these things reported on scans are more like baldness or wrinkles – an indication of ageing and genetics that do not have to be painful.

These things sound scary and we are taught to think that they are very important for pain. But the simple truth is that they are often TOTALLY IRRELEVANT. No one tells you that EVERYONE has these changes in their body. What we have been calling abnormalities are really just normalities.

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The practice has a calm friendly atmosphere, receptionists are lovely and the treatment is superb. Both myself and my husband have used their services with excellent results. Would and do highly recommend.

C. Matthews

A very warm and welcoming clinic with extremely professional staff. Ive had a problem with my shoulder for the past 10 months and the osteopath was able to get me on the road to recovery and diagnose the problem. I would recommend clinic to anyone seeking professional and high quality help.

L. Corse

My first experience of an Osteopath, very professional and I felt better as soon as I left. Very clean and calm environment with a lovely receptionist

S. Butcher

It was my second visit to Bradbourne Osteopathic today. What a lovely experience in peaceful surroundings. I’ve been suffering with restriction in my back for 2 weeks. It’s really eased. Staff are very knowledgeable and thorough . Felt like I was in good hands . Easy parking too

L. Anthony

Booked in last minute as struggled with pain in neck and lower back. Receptionist very helpful and accomadating. Saw Matt and he eased the pain dramatically. Been here before so knew I would get a great service as always.

X. Xapilaou

Fantastic service from booking in to treatment. Will definitely come back if I need to. The staff are so friendly and you are made to feel relaxed from the moment you walk in.

I. Hall

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If you have any questions you can get in touch on 01732 666302 or info@bradbourneclinic.co.uk. If you would like to book an appointment then you can book online below!

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