By Kevin Nguyen – Physiotherapist

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide and affects most people at some point in their lives.

As a physiotherapist, a common question I get asked when managing low back pain is, “Should I get a scan for my back?”.

Most cases of low back pain present for less than 12 weeks do not need a scan. Most cases of low back pain will resolve in this time frame regardless of what the scan may show. An imaging test such as an X-ray, a CT scan or MRI can be used in the presence of a “red flag”, which 95% of low back pain do not have.     

Examples of a “red flag” may include:

• Fevers

• Raised inflammatory markers

• Risk factors of infection

• History of considerable trauma or minor trauma if the person has osteoporosis or is taking corticosteroids

• History of malignancy such as cancer

• Failure to improve with treatment

• Associated collapse or hypotension

• Suspected cauda equina compression – numbness in both legs, altered bowel and bladder function, reduced sensation in the saddle area or progressive leg or foot weakeness.

Otherwise, scans will often show normal changes for your age, that may not be causing your pain, such as:

 

• Disc degeneration

• Facet joint changes

• Disc bulges

• Disc protrusions

In most cases, these findings on your scans will not change your treatment plan and knowing about these changes can cause unnecessary concern and can lead to further tests, consultations or treatments that do not help your back pain. Scan can also be expensive and inconvenient, and some can expose you to unnecessary radiation.

So, what can you do?

At Complete Health & Wellbeing, our physiotherapists can provide a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms. We can help you find strategies to help manage your low back pain and develop a treatment plan. Your physio can work with you to establish your treatment goals and get you back to what you love doing most.

Physiotherapy treatment may include soft tissue work, joint mobilisations, a tailored exercise program to suit you and education about your condition.

Additionally, we offer a variety of physiotherapist-led exercises classes (Reformer Pilates, Strength & Conditioning, Strength & Balance and Hydrotherapy) that encourages you to stay active and continue participating in your daily activities while you are managing low back pain!