<h3>MRI: Why Get One?</h3>
Everyone seems to want to get an MRI nowadays. It's like there is an MRI epidemic, with millions and millions being performed in the U.S. A patient complains of pain, and an MRI is ordered.

And an MRI will often show an abnormality. But the problem is...<strong>that abnormality very well may not be what is causing the pain. </strong>A disc abnormality does not necessarily mean that the disc is causing the pain. Many people who have no pain have disc abnormalities.
<h3>Another problem is the lack of a physical exam.</h3>
Before the MRI, physicians had to diagnose by an exam. And they would actually palpate, and touch the patient. In fact, 90% of the diagnosis would come from the history and physical exam. MRI's should confirm what already is suspected.

Plus, if you are seriously considering surgery, then an MRI is what the orthopedic surgeon will use to map the surgery. <strong>But never have surgery based just on the results of an MRI. </strong>Get another opinion. A practical option would be to receive a consult from a Prolotherapist who specializes in fixing the spine and joints without surgery. Surgery should only be done after all conservative care has been tried, including Regenerative Orthopedic options like Prolotherapy.
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