X-rays, MRIs or CT scans for lower back pain
Some physicians order an X-ray, MRI or CT scan right away for a patient who’s suffering from lower back pain, says Dr. Robert I. Danoff, program director, family medicine and combined family medicine/emergency medicine residency programs for Jefferson Health—Northeast in Philadelphia.
“However, if there have not been ‘red flag’ signs such as an accident or fall, or fever along with back pain, then these tests are often not initially needed because most people feel better from lower back pain within a month,” Danoff says.
