Lumbar Basivertebral Nerve (Vertebral Body or Disc)
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Degenerative Disc Disease
2:06
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
1. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
2. Intradiscal Fibrin Injection
1:53
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Neck or Cervical Pain
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Caudal Epidural
1:33
5. Facet Joint Injection
1:44
10. Interventional Pain Procedures
1:58
13. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Low back or Lumbar Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Herniated Disc
1:58
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Imaging and Chronic Pain: Why doesn't it match up?
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Many individuals with chronic pain find that their imaging results don’t align with their pain. You might have significant discomfort, yet your MRI or X-ray appears normal. Or your scan might show issues like disc bulges or arthritis, but you feel little to no pain.
Imaging reveals structure, not pain. Pain comes from complex interactions involving nerves, inflammation, and how the brain processes signals—factors that scans can’t always detect. Research shows that chronic pain is linked to subtle but widespread changes in brain regions involved in pain processing, including the amygdala, thalamus, and insula. These changes are not visible on standard imaging but can influence how pain is experienced.
Another study on knee osteoarthritis found that some patients with severe pain had little visible joint damage, while others with significant joint changes reported minimal pain. This suggests that pain sensitivity and nerve function, not just structural damage, play a major role in how pain is felt.
Chronic pain is complex, and imaging alone doesn’t always explain symptoms. That’s why treatment focuses on managing pain effectively rather than relying only on scan results. If your imaging doesn’t match your pain, know that you’re not alone. Your pain is real, and the goal is to treat it, regardless of what a scan shows.
FAQs
Can I still experience pain even if my imaging results are normal?
Yes, it is possible to experience significant pain even if your imaging results appear normal. Pain is a subjective experience and can be influenced by various factors beyond what is seen in scans, including changes in brain regions and how your nervous system processes pain signals.
How can some individuals have visible joint damage with little to no pain?
Studies, such as those on knee osteoarthritis, have shown that individuals can have considerable joint changes but report minimal pain. This can be due to differences in pain sensitivity, nerve function, and other non-structural factors, emphasizing that pain perception isn't directly linked to visible damage.
What should I do if my imaging results don’t match the pain I feel?
If your imaging results don’t align with your pain experience, it’s crucial to communicate this with your healthcare provider. They can help develop a treatment plan that effectively manages your pain, using techniques beyond relying on imaging findings alone, ensuring that your pain and wellbeing are prioritized.
Why doesn't imaging always correlate with chronic pain levels?
Imaging such as MRIs or X-rays reveal the structural aspects of the body, but they don't capture the complex interactions that contribute to the sensation of pain. Pain is influenced by factors including nerve function, inflammation, and the way the brain processes pain signals, which are not usually visible on standard scans.
Why is focusing on managing pain important in chronic pain treatment?
Since imaging may not fully explain chronic pain, treatment priorities often involve managing pain and improving quality of life rather than solely addressing findings on scans. This approach recognizes the complexity of pain and aims to provide comprehensive care regardless of imaging results.