Stanford University researchers have found that regions with high concentrations of MRI machines also have increased rates of back surgery among patients who present with new back pain. Is there a problem with this? Well, perhaps, especially since we know that increased surgery rates doesn’t necessarily improve patient outcome. In fact, surgery has its risks and often times will not completely cure back pain. Between 2000 and 2005, the MRI availability in the U.S. more than tripled, from 7.6 to 26.6 machines per 1 million people. Each machine costs more than $2 million and one low-back scan costs $1,500. Increased rates of scans and surgeries increase the total health care dollars spent on treatment of back pain, one of the most common reasons for physician visits today. [via Medical News Today]
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Tags: back pain, low back, lumbar, MRI, stanford, surgery
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Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
October 15th, 2009 at 6:28 am
After numerous x-rays, chiropractic adjustments, and several referrals to orthopedic surgeons, I finally got so desperate for relief I took matters into my own hands. Through the Internet I found Laser Spine Institute in Tampa. I requested an MRI of my spine and sent both the radiology report and MRI film to LSI. Within a few days I received a call from patient services advising that after doctor reviews LSI could fix my problem. I was given a price and potential schedules. I elected the date of October 2008 and proceeded to Tampa for the Laser Surgery. The surgery lasted approximately 45 minutes and after two days of physical therapy in their facility I was on my way back home. It is the best money I’ve ever spent. My back is healed, no more pain, and a full range of motion.
MRI may very well lead to unnecessary surgeries but, in the hands of the right doctors, they are worth their weight in gold.
October 15th, 2009 at 6:55 am
I agree ive had at least 6 and had surgery and im worse than ever.It is all about money for the docs and companys and phicians kick back.Thats whats wrong with the whole health system.
October 15th, 2009 at 6:55 am
This couldn’t of been the worse advice you have thought of…In 2000, I was in such
pain from back pain…went from one doctor to another…everyone giveing bad advice..
to Not knowing what to do for me. ( one was a hospital in Milwaukee, Doctor
telling me, until you start peeing in your pants, to not being able to walk) I will NOT
give you surgery! Then, another saying (twisting) my leg back and forth>>There was nothing wrong with me!!! I went back to Racine, Had needle put into each disk..to
check and see, maybe what was wrong…until come to last two…and he said…YUP
L- 1- L-2 was crappy! Went and found surgeon, He took MRI and there they were..
nothing in between them. Had intensive surgery—And to this day, I’m in no pain…
This doctor saved my life, I’m 73 and walking a set of stairs 5- times a day to a apartment! I thank-God every day to this wonderful Doctor!!
October 15th, 2009 at 9:28 am
My wife is scheduled for an MRA. How does that differ from an MRI ?
October 15th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I’ve been in pain since breaking my hip 4 years ago and it was “repaired” by a Back (not a hip dr.) and he lost a screw during the surgery (at midnight) and never found it despite a cat scan. I have scoliosis, spinal stenosis and degenerated discs. Now I have a dr.who’s going to insert an x-stop. Anyone ever heard ot that? Some people I called gave it accolades. My original spine surgeon at UCSF, said, “Oh, I’ve had to remove lots of those.” Comments, please. The dr. performing the xstop surgery is at St. Mary’s hospital in San Francisco. I’m 81.