Does Degeneration = Pain?

Does imaging degeneration = Pain⁉️

Degenerative changes are very commonly found in spinal imaging, even in those with no pain

There are numerous studies published evaluating the prevalence of this phenomenon and in a 2015 systemic literature, researchers looked at 33 articles with a total of 3110 asymptomatic individuals and collected data that's very impressive

➡️Prevalence of disc degeneration in asymptomatic individuals increased from 37% of 20 y.o to 96% of 80 y.o.
➡️Disc bulge prevalence increased from 29% in 20 y.o. to 84% in 80 y.o.

Similar patterns are seen in disc protrusions and annular fissure tears

What the researchers concluded was that imaging findings showing degeneration is common in high proportions of asymptomatic individuals which increases with age

Moral of the story? Treat the patient, not the image! Imaging should always be a piece of the puzzle to form a clear diagnosis

Source: Systematic Literature Review of Imaging Features of Spinal Degeneration in Asymptomatic Populations W. Brinjikji, P.H. Luetmer, B. Comstock, B.W. Bresnahan, L.E. Chen, R.A. Deyo, S. Halabi, J.A. Turner, A.L. Avins, K. James, J.T. Wald, D.F. Kallmes, J.G. Jarvik

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