A scan of routine low back pain will not change the management of low back pain

A scan will not change the managenent of your low back pain.  High proportions of findings on spinal xrays are actually ‘normal for age’ found in great numbers in the pain free population.

In the absence of serious pathology, the obvious risk of an xray or CT scan is unnecessary exposure to radiation.

Also unclear explanations that lack clarity regarding incidental (and normal for age) findings can cause patients further concern.

Management of low back pain – clinicians can forget that patients are not medically minded

Clinicians are often hard pressed for time, consequently supplementing a brief verbal explanation of a scan with a written report.

Would you know your C from your T from your L spine?

Be able to discern the distinction between disc degeneration, bulge or protrusion?

Spot the significance of a spondylolisthesis?

Even say “zygapophyseal”…?

If you’re struggling to understand results of a scan, get in touch and I will be happy to discuss and translate into a language that you can understand.

As a physiotherapist, I can help low back pain and guide you back to what you love to do.

My clinic is in Blackwell (DL3 8QF) in Darlington, click on the contact form below to arrange a discovery call, to discuss how I can help you.

For further information:

Very few low backs actually need a scan – low back pain scan? 

Do I need a scan? Probably not… – do I need a scan?