When should I get a scan of my back?
Scans and Radiology for Back Pain: Do You Really Need One?
Lower back pain is one of the most common conditions I treat in my physiotherapy clinic. Naturally, one of the most frequent questions I get from patients is:
Do I need a scan?
The answer? It depends. While medical imaging like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can sometimes be helpful, they can also be unnecessary and even harmful. Understanding when a scan is needed and when it isn’t is crucial to managing your back pain effectively.
Are Scans Always Necessary for Back Pain?
Many patients come to my clinic with a recent scan report filled with medical jargon. Terms like:
Degenerative changes
Disc bulge
Annular tear
Facet arthropathy
Osteophytes
While these terms sound concerning, they often describe normal, age-related changes in the spine. The reality is, most people—especially those over 30—will have some of these findings, even if they have no pain at all.
What the Research Says
A 2015 study by Brinjikji et al. found that 37% of 20-year-olds and 96% of 80-year-olds had degenerative disc changes, despite being completely pain-free.
Another study by Nakashima et al. (2015) found that 87% of people had disc bulges in their neck, yet had no symptoms.
What does this mean?
It means that just because your scan shows an abnormality, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the source of your pain. There is often no reliable way to directly link symptoms or pain to a specific finding on a scan. Over-relying on scans can actually worsen pain by increasing fear and anxiety, leading to reduced physical activity and unnecessary treatments.
When Should You Get a Scan for Back Pain?
There are certain situations where a scan is necessary to rule out serious conditions. As physiotherapists, we assess your symptoms carefully to determine if imaging is required. We’ll ask questions like:
How did the pain start? Was there a specific injury?
How long have you had the pain?
Do you have a history of cancer?
Are you experiencing numbness or tingling in your inner thigh/groin area?
Have you noticed significant weakness in one or both legs?
Are you experiencing severe night pain, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats?
If any of these red flags are present, a scan may be warranted. However, these serious conditions are very rare.
How Physiotherapy Helps Without a Scan
If no red flags are present, your back pain is most likely mechanical and non-threatening—which means it can be effectively managed with physiotherapy. My treatment approach includes:
Education – Helping you understand why you’re in pain and how to manage it.
Manual therapy – Hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve movement.
Exercise rehabilitation – Strengthening and mobility programs tailored to your needs.
Instead of relying on unnecessary scans, we focus on getting you moving, reducing your pain, and improving your confidence in your body’s ability to heal.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Body, Not Just Your Scan
Back pain is complex, and imaging often adds more confusion than clarity. If you’re experiencing back pain and want expert advice, book an appointment with me today.
🔹 Take control of your pain – Schedule a consultation now!
📍 Physio PM | Townsville’s Trusted Physiotherapy Clinic
By taking a proactive and evidence-based approach, we can help you move better, feel better, and stay pain-free—without unnecessary scans or medical interventions.
