If you’ve ever dealt with nagging low back pain, chances are someone has told you:
“Go get an MRI.”
Sounds logical, right? If something hurts, let’s take a picture of it. But here’s the truth: most people don’t need an MRI to understand or fix their back pain.
In fact, rushing straight to imaging can start you down the frustrating healthcare hamster wheel, waiting months for appointments, bouncing between your PCP, specialists, medications, injections, and more tests. And after all that, you still may not have a clear answer… or relief.
The Problem with MRIs for Back Pain
Research has shown that MRIs often reveal things that aren’t even causing your pain. Herniated discs, arthritis, “degeneration.” These show up on scans all the time, even in people with zero back pain.
So when we base treatment solely on images, we risk chasing “problems” that may not matter while ignoring what actually does: your movement, your strength, your posture, and your lifestyle.
Think of it like this:
👉 If your car breaks down, would you take a photo of it to the mechanic—or the car itself?
Exactly. A picture alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
Why Physical Therapy First Makes Sense
Instead of waiting months for an MRI that may not change your treatment, you can start physical therapy immediately.
Here’s why PT should be your first step:
- Fast access to care – No waiting on referrals, approvals, or long imaging waitlists.
- Treat the cause, not the picture – We assess you, not just a scan. Movement testing, strength checks, and functional assessments reveal what’s really driving your pain.
- Avoid unnecessary meds & injections – PT helps restore function naturally, without masking symptoms.
- Proven results – Research shows physical therapy is often as effective as, or better than more invasive treatments for most types of back pain.
When an MRI is Needed
Are MRIs ever necessary? Yes, if there are serious “red flag” symptoms like:
- Severe trauma
- Loss of bowel/bladder control
- Progressive neurological deficits (like worsening numbness or weakness)
But for the vast majority of low back pain cases in Spartanburg, starting with physical therapy is safe, effective, and gets you moving in the right direction quickly.
Your Next Step
Don’t get stuck in the system waiting for an image that might not help. Start with care that addresses you as a whole person.
At Progressive Mobility, our one-on-one sessions focus on helping you move better, relieve pain, and get back to doing the things you love without months of waiting or unnecessary procedures.
📅 Ready to take action? Book your low back pain assessment today and start getting real answers. Call (864)485-5910 today.
