Hi all, here is a recent study on low back pain and imaging that I thought you might find relevant to your own practices. I have included a link to the full-text study below my summary.
A recent qualitative study published in Musculoskeletal Science & Practice (Lullo G. et al., 2025) explored why patients with non‑specific chronic low back pain (cLBP) often request imaging even when it is not clinically indicated. Three primary themes emerged: (1) a strong desire to “know the cause” of their pain despite recognizing its multifactorial nature; (2) the perception that imaging is necessary when conservative treatments fail; and (3) imaging producing mixed outcomes—some feel reassured, others experience increased anxiety or misleading interpretations. The authors stress the importance of practitioner‑led patient education about the limitations of imaging and the value of movement‑based care.
Clinical Takeaways for Practitioners:
Avoid imaging for low back pain unless red flags are present—use history and exam to triage.
Explicitly discuss incidental findings with patients to prevent structural‑deficit thinking and unnecessary interventions.
Emphasize movement, load progression, and functional recovery to shift focus away from imaging and toward active rehabilitation.