What types of problems can magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) find?
An MRI is not a standard test for finding the cause of low back pain. As we age, we all develop changes in our spines that appear “abnormal” on an MRI , but in most people these changes don’t cause symptoms.4 A complete medical history and physical exam are enough to diagnose and treat most low back pain. Generally, an MRI is best used when your doctor suspects a specific problem after completing your medical history and physical exam. An MRI can: • Detect problems of the spinal discs, such as a ruptured disc. The test will also help determine whether a disc is pressing on a nerve. • Detect areas of the spinal canal that are abnormally narrowed (spinal stenosis). • Detect tumors of the spinal cord. The tumors that most commonly spread to the spine include those from prostate, breast, or lung cancer. • Further evaluate areas of joint inflammation (arthritis) or abnormal bone loss discovered during an X-ray test or a bone scan. • Locate areas of the spinal cord that are not receiving an
