Should I have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for low back pain?

References

Citations

1. Carragee EJ, Hannibal M (2004). Diagnostic evaluation of low back pain. Orthopedic Clinics of North America, 35(2004): 7–16.

2. Jarvik JG, et al. (2003). Rapid magnetic resonance imaging vs. radiographs for patients with low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 289(21): 2810–2818.

3. Jarvik JG, Deyo RA (2002). Diagnostic evaluation of low back pain with emphasis on imaging. Annals of Internal Medicine, 137(7): 586–597.

4. Borenstein DG, et al. (2001). The value of magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine to predict low-back pain in asymptomatic subjects. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 83-A(9): 1306–1311.

Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: February 6, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.