Study: Add more MRI machines, get more back studies

While extensive use of MRI's for lower back pain may lead to too many surgeries, the under-use of MRI's can be equally dangerous.

My son developed lower back pain that was unresponsive to anti-inflammatory medication. Suspecting a herniated disc, an MRI was ordered. The MRI revealed a spinal tumor, (ependymoma), the size of a wine cork, along with a cyst that was compressing the nerves in his spinal cord. After successful surgery to remove the tumor, the cyst resolved and he made a full recovery.

Without the MRI, the tumor would have remained undiagnosed and continued to grow. Eventually, he would have suffered permanent nerve damage and paralysis. The cost in quality of life would have be enormous, not to mention the increased health care costs from permanent disability.

We must resist the temptation to reduce access to MRIs because of a concern about unnecessary surgery. We have better ways to reduce unnecessary surgeries, such as requiring on 2nd opinions or a period of watchful waiting for herniated discs.

This is an interesting report and may go some way to explain the vast difference in surgery rates for back pain in the US compared to the rest of the world.

In Europe far more people opt for rehabilitation and preventative measures than surgery. The fact is, MRI scans are seen as having no downside because they don't use ionising radiation. But because the causes of most back pain are complex and poorly understood, the fact is that MRI scans are rarely conclusive, but you can usually see SOMETHING that may be worth operating on, if only because the back generally deteriorates with age.

Steve's comment above is very interesting because clearly problems such as his son's are extremely rare, and I think his points about 2nd opinions and watchful waiting are very good ones.

Surgery for back pain is a pretty drastic measure in many cases. People should seek simpler solutions first, such as pain relief, physio treatment, improving their general health and weight, and improving their posture.

Dr Phil
www.postureminder.co.uk

I agree that surgery should be a last resort to relieve back pain. There are so many other options available that should be tried before surgery. I recently picked up a book that helped me to understand many of these options. It's called Surgery not Included by Dr. Richard E. Busch III. It explained in layman's terms many non-invasive options that are available today. Before making a decision, it's important to know all your options. http://www.surgerynotincluded.com/