MRI
Misconceptions

• MRI – Less than meets the eye!
• MRI misses significant problems!
All of these discs, which are clearly
irritated, bloody, and inflamed (swollen) were
called normal on MRI!

• MRI cannot detect pain generating inflammatory
pathology MRI MISSES significant pathology in
>77% Patients

Below are examples of
problems the MRI
missed, and which
caused severe pain.
MRI:
Doubtful
clinical
significance
MRI: Normal Disc
Space.

• MRI shows problems that may not be causing pain
• It is clearly established that a very high percentage of
adults - with NO back pain – would have significant
problems on an MRI!

• Put another way: If you have back pain, and
an MRI shows a problem that may explain the
pain, it is very possible that the problem on the
MRI may NOT be causing your pain!
• This is because that same problem could be
there even if you did not have pain.

• For More Information log on to:
www.northamericanspine.com