So you have an MRI. Now we have THE answer! 

​​If you have ever visited me or heard me speak on imaging - then you will have heard my rants on the use and abuse of imaging in medical diagnosis. There is even a term for it. VOMIT - victims of medical imaging technology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1126156/

The allure is powerful - "a picture tells a thousand words" we are told. Well sometimes a thousand words is too much! 

Here we have a small but informative study which demonstrates the subjectivity of image interpretation. All clinical investigations have elements of subjectivity in their interpretation. 

An area of practice that I am particularly passionate about is communication of imaging results. Its absolutely amazing how powerful what is communicated to a patient (and how) - especially in regards to diagnostic imaging results. The patient that walks in armed with scans or xrays from 10 years ago exclaiming "I HAVE A DISC BULGE!" In my head I think how can I possibly undo this belief system...? People literally carry these pathology labels around with them for life. So strong is our desire to know, see and label pain in our body.

Other studies have demonstrated the very high degree of false positives. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25584950 - Nakashima et al. demonstrated this in their cervical spine study 
"Most subjects presented with disc bulging (87.6%), which significantly increased with age in terms of frequency, severity, and number of levels. Even most subjects in their 20s had bulging discs, with 73.3% and 78.0% of males and females, respectively. In contrast, few asymptomatic subjects were diagnosed with SCC (5.3%) or increased signal intensity (2.3%). These numbers increased with age, particularly after age 50 years. SCC mainly involved 1 level (58%) or 2 levels (38%), and predominantly occurred at C5-C6 (41%) and C6-C7"

Get that! 73% of 20 year olds with no neck pain had disc bulges on MRI and 87.6% of the 1200 participants had disc bulges and no neck pain.

What does all of this mean? Just because you have xyz pain and an MRI or xray with "wear and tear, disc bulges, degeneration etc etc" - please consider obtaining a clinical diagnosis (also very subjective) from a provider that is going to move your focus from pain and imaging results to movement and function based outcomes.

There is definitely an art, a skill, involved in unpacking, counselling and educating people about their bodies and the lack of support for the use of imaging in the vast degree of spinal problems. Sure imaging has its place but as I like to say though - there is no image that says - here is your pain! 

Chris

Introducing The Parnells - Gregg and Kim. We love these two little pocket rockets. They have an unstoppable spirit to keep going and to never give up. They signed up for the Health Associates Couch 2 5km in the summer and achieved extraordinary results. What really stood out was there support and encouragement for each other. Kim was first thinking about participating in the program and Gregg quickly jumped in and said "lets do it together!" 

Although their health and fitness journey hasn't been without a few speed bumps, their dedication to understanding their injuries and respecting the process of recovering and healing has helped them recover with optimism and confidence.

​ 
Name:
Kim Parnell
Occupation:
Stores officer/Purchasing TAFE
What does health mean to you?
Being active in body and mind
How do you keep healthy
Run, walk, soccer
How you stay motivated?
Train and exercise with a friend or group.
I feel accountable to them if I don't turn up!!!
Facebook page to feel encouraged.
Why do you like coming to Health Associates?
Friendly faces with help and guidance and a wealth of knowledge
Advice for others wanting to improve their health?
Start off with small goals
Find a friend to exercise with
Favourite Quote:
Listen to your body

Name:
Gregg Parnell
Occupation:
Customer support manager
What does health mean to you?
Keeping fit and healthy means a lot to me. I have a busy life and staying fit helps to meet the day to day demands.
How do you keep healthy
Football, mountain biking and running
How you stay motivated?
Kim and I support each other, but being part of a wonderful group really helps you along
Why do you like coming to Health Associates?
Chris and I play in the same football team and he has been able to help me with many sports injuries I’ve had over the past few years.
Advice for others wanting to improve their health?
Get out and just do it ! The C25K is a great way to start and meet others starting out