Do I really need to get that x-ray or MRI?

It is very scary when you suddenly get low back pain and you end up having to struggle your way through work and possibly cancel some meetings because you can't seem to sit for a long time

During those agonizing times, you start thinking to yourself: do I need to go get an X-ray or a MRI??

Most lower back pain actually subsides over time. There are still no concrete evidence out there as to why back pain can happen suddenly in healthy individuals

But let's say you decide to go see a specialist for the back pain:
Do they tell you to get an x-ray/MRI without even examining you? Do you go get that picture taken and pay $$$ and then simply get a report saying everything is OK? Or did you get a report saying "you have a mild disc bulge and osteoarthritis/degenerative disc disease"?

Fun fact: THAT MAY HAVE ALREADY BEEN THERE BEFORE YOU EXPERIENCED Pain! That just means you are living a great life and your body is adapting to keep you going longer!

Unfortunately, many doctors in today's healthcare system either do not want to do a proper examination or are using outdated protocols that demands imaging before any sort of treatment are rendered. Some insurance plans sometimes don't pay for chiropractic or physical therapy unless imaging was taken or was examined by an orthopedic doctor. Another fun fact: chiropractors and physical therapists are well trained to provide proper examination and treatment before deciding whether an MRI is needed

But when is the right time to get imaging done? Great question: if your pain becomes persistent and becomes worse over time, if you begin to feel it radiate into your groin, inner thigh making it feel numb, uncontrolled bowl and bladder or if you begin to lose strength and function in your extremities. Oh yeah, also if you got into a traumatic accident... That can justify a quick x-ray too

Level Up Sports Chiropractic is a studio clinic delivering 1-on-1 rehabilitation to those in Murray Hill, New York City. If you work or live near Midtown Manhattan, contact us for a consultation!