Do You Really Need an MRI for Back Pain? Here's What to Know Before You Book One
If you’ve been dealing with stubborn or severe back pain, it’s easy to assume that getting an MRI is the logical next step. After all, more information must mean better answers, right?
Not always.
At Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness, we often see patients who believe they need an MRI before beginning any type of treatment. But the reality is, most back pain can be properly assessed and managed without advanced imaging, especially in the early stages. In fact, jumping to an MRI too quickly can lead to unnecessary procedures, stress, or even incorrect assumptions about the cause of your pain.
Let’s break down what an MRI really does, when it’s helpful, and when conservative care is the better first choice.
What Is an MRI and How Does It Work?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of your body—especially soft tissues like discs, nerves, ligaments, and muscles. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, which are better for bones, MRIs excel at detecting disc bulges, herniations, inflammation, and soft tissue injury.
That said, seeing something on an MRI doesn’t always mean it’s the source of your pain. Many people have disc degeneration or mild herniations without any symptoms at all.
🔗 Harvard Health: When do I need an imaging test for my back pain?
According to Harvard Medical School, imaging is only needed when back pain is persistent, severe, or comes with “red flag” symptoms (more on that below).
Why Chiropractors Don’t Always Recommend MRIs First
In most cases, chiropractors use hands-on orthopedic and neurological testing to assess back pain, posture issues, and functional imbalances. These tests often reveal where the spine isn’t moving correctly or which tissues are inflamed—without needing a scan.
And here’s why that matters:
MRIs are expensive and often not covered until certain criteria are met
They can show normal age-related changes that aren’t actually causing pain
They may delay the start of care that could relieve symptoms quickly
Our rule at Re-LAX Chiropractic: Start with the least invasive, most effective method first. If we don’t see improvement, that’s when we consider imaging.
When an MRI Is a Good Idea
There are definitely times when imaging is appropriate. We may refer you for an MRI if you experience:
Severe or worsening nerve pain (numbness, tingling, weakness)
Loss of bladder or bowel control
No improvement after 6–8 weeks of care
History of cancer, trauma, or infection
Unexplained weight loss with back pain
These symptoms can indicate something more serious—and that’s when imaging becomes an important diagnostic tool.
What We Do at Re-LAX Chiropractic Instead
For most back pain cases, we use a comprehensive, personalized approach that includes:
✅ Spinal Adjustments: Gentle, targeted adjustments to restore movement, reduce nerve pressure, and improve alignment.
✅ Active Release Technique (ART): A hands-on therapy that addresses tight muscles, scar tissue, and soft tissue restrictions around the spine and hips.
✅ Spinal Decompression: For patients with disc-related pain, this gentle technique creates space in the spine to relieve disc pressure and improve healing.
✅ Postural and Movement Coaching: We identify posture problems, lifting habits, or desk ergonomics that may be making your back pain worse.
✅ Ongoing Progress Evaluation: If your pain isn’t improving as expected, we’ll re-evaluate and guide you to next steps—including imaging, if needed.
Start Simple, Treat the Root
Getting an MRI isn’t wrong—but it’s also not always necessary. In fact, most back pain responds best to conservative care before imaging ever becomes part of the plan.
If you’re dealing with lower back pain, sciatica, or disc issues, chiropractic care offers a safe, effective, and natural starting point. And if it turns out you do need an MRI? We’ll be the first to tell you.
📍 Re-LAX Chiropractic
8929 South Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90045
🌐 www.re-laxchiropractic.com