An MRI is used for back pain because it creates detailed pictures of your spine that can reveal injuries or age-related changes.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
-
Detailed Imaging: An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan provides highly detailed images of the spine.
-
Detecting Injuries and Changes: The scan can "pick up most injuries that you have had in your spine or changes that happen with aging."
-
Understanding the Limitations: While an MRI can identify many issues, it's important to note that "even small problems or changes that are not the cause of your current back pain can be picked up," and these findings "rarely change how your provider first treats you." (12-Aug-2023)
In summary, while MRIs can be useful for visualizing spinal issues, it is important to discuss the results with your physician.
