When should I get an MRI or x-ray? (EP29)

During this episode I discuss an interesting case I had in the office. It brought up a question I ask myself regularly. How important are x-rays and MRIs? Furthermore, when is surgery the only option that remains for a finding that may be on an image? I attempt to provide insight during the week's episode. Have you had an image that led to you having surgery ? If yes, how was the outcome?Comment below and we'll see you in the next one! Resources Brinjikji et al. (2015) MRI Findings of Disc Degeneration are More Prevalent in Adults with Low Back Pain than in Asymptomatic Controls: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol, 36, 12, 2394-9. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A4498Brinjikji et al. (2015). Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol, 36, 811–16 doi:10.3174/ajnr.A4173 pmid:25430861