When is an MRI useful?
Summary
Stephen O’Rourke, a physiotherapist at Mater University Hospital, discusses the overuse of MRIs for simple back pain. He explains that scans often reveal normal age-related changes that do not cause pain, potentially increasing anxiety without changing treatment. O’Rourke advises that imaging is only necessary for severe, unrelenting symptoms or neurological deficits. The key takeaway is to ask if a scan will alter your care plan, as most back pain resolves with movement and time.
Topics discussed
Show introduction
Guest introduction and the overuse of MRIs
The anxiety caused by MRI results for simple back pain
When to get an MRI: red flags vs normal recovery
Why back pain feels more debilitating than other injuries
Managing acute back pain: rest, movement, and medication
Understanding spinal aging and the complexity of pain
Asking the right questions to your GP before scanning
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