Research has proposed that if an individual with low back pain gets diagnostic imaging (such as MRI) without any explanation of normal vs. abnormal findings FIRST - their perceived outcome of recovery is drastically diminished.

Compare that to an individual who was explained that arthritis or degenerative disc disease is merely a 'wrinkle on your inside" or that a disc 'bulge', 'protrusion', or 'herniation' could merely be a "kiss of time and age." These individuals had much better perception of their prognosis leading to a full recovery.

As a matter of fact, up to 30% of people WITHOUT low back pain have one of the aforementioned 'diagnosis-es.' Again, these are folks without any symptoms or issues whatsoever - out there walking around this wonderful earth with a 'slipped disc.' or Degenerative Disc Disease.

Makes me wonder what would happen to an individual as such if I were to tell them the bleak news. Would they suddenly start feeling phantom pains? Would they move or act differently? Maybe more guarded or hesitant?

Clinically; I believe that a thorough movement assessment and physical exam is warranted FIRST before imaging. This is coming from a guy who just referred out for 7 MRIs in the past two weeks by the way.

The point is that we should examine how a 'diagnosis' effects and affects our patients/clients first. Their body is THEIRS. That means it might not respond or react anywhere similar to anyone else who also has a low back - with or without pain.

What do you think? How do you describe these issues? Do you over-diagnose? Are you a victim of WebMD making you think you’re falling apart?!

Drop your comments and thoughts below!