Do You Really Need That MRI?

Transcript

Do you really need that MRI?

When you are in pain, it makes sense to want answers. You want to see what is happening inside your body. You want proof. You want reassurance. But an MRI does not cure pain, and sometimes it does not even change the treatment plan.

In this episode, Dr. Albert Takem explains why imaging can be useful in the right situation, but misleading when used too early. He discusses neck pain, pinched nerves, shoulder pain, physical therapy, red flags, and why a careful physical exam can sometimes tell your doctor more than a scan.

We discuss:

• Why an MRI does not automatically lead to better treatment
• Why scans often find abnormalities in people with no symptoms
• How MRI reports can create unnecessary fear and anxiety
• When neck pain or shoulder pain may be treated without imaging
• When an MRI becomes important
• Why surgery planning is different from early diagnosis
• The question patients should ask before getting an MRI

The goal is not to avoid testing. The goal is to use the right test at the right time, for the right reason.

Questions for Dr. Takem and the team

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