You are NOT your MRI

Diagnostic Imaging is an amazing tool when used appropriately. Unfortunately the healthcare cycle associated with MRI’s and x-rays generally only deliver negative connotations and perceptions. Disc herniations are an extremely common issue among the spine; current research shows a linear correlation between your age and the % of people in your age group battling with disc herniations. For example, approximately 20% of 20 year olds have disc bulges/hernaitions; this includes both symptomatic and asymtopmatic populations. These numbers rise with each decade you age; showing that around 70% of 70 year olds currently have disc bulges/herniations that can be seen on MRI. Again, not all of these 70% are symptomatic.

If you are or have been previously diagnosed with a disc bulge or herniation via MRI you should know that 97% of these cases can be treated successfully without surgery.

An active care approach is extremely beneficial to most patients battling discogenic (pain referring from the disc) pain. Active care typically involves understanding not every day will feel like unicorns and rainbows but rather slowly building resiliency through reconditioned tissues. All too often the mechanism of injury is not the load or sheer force you created trying to perform a task, but rather the load you were not prepared for. Be prepared! Don’t succumb to old adage “it’s part of getting old”. If you are interested in taking a new responsibility of your body, click here to schedule your appointment.