Friday, December 19, 2014

Low back pain and plain X-rays



I have had low back pain for a few years. Recently I went to the ER where the doctor ordered plain x-rays. Are they good enough to tell what the problem is?

Unfortunately, we have way too many doctors in the ER who are clueless and know very little about back pain or X-rays. The plain x-ray for evaluation of back pain is useless- I mean it is garbage. It is like looking in your arse to see if there is a problem in your mouth. The best way to assess cause of low back pain is to get an MRI. It is many times more sensitive than a plain x-ray. It can tell if the nerve is pinched or if the disc is prolapsed. Unless you have hardware in your back, the plain x-ray is a complete waste of money. Please stop going to this doctor or insist on a change in doctor. The only negative about an MRI is the cost- can be as much as $800-$1,200.

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