This paper analysed all 33 other studies conducted with 3,110 participants who have never experienced lower back pain. (Age: 20~80)

Please see the results below:

- Disc degenerative changes in MRI and CT have already been observed 37% in their 20s and 96% in their 80s.

- Stage 1(Disc bulge) was observed in 30% of those in their 20s, and this number rose to 84% in their 80s.

- Stage 2 also had 29% of disk protrusion in their 20s, compared to 43% in their 80s.

- An annular fissure (Stage 3 and above) was also found in 20% in their 20s and 29% in their 80s.

In summary, MRI or CT shows symptoms of disk bulge, protrusion, and annular fissure (cracked discs) even in people who have never had back pain in their lives. Even if your nerve root has been affected by the herniated disc (Stage 2,3,4), you can be pain-free. In other words, there is very limited association between your pain and MRI or CT results.

Therefore, please let go of the idea that 'Abnormal results shown in MRI = Pain..' as this probably induces fear and demotivates you from trying to do anything positive. Instead, do what you can do to make things better (yes, it is possible!). This program will teach you how.

Reference

Brinjikji W, Luetmer PH, Comstock B, Bresnahan BW, Chen LE, Deyo RA, Halabi S, Turner JA, Avins AL, James K, Wald JT, Kallmes DF, Jarvik JG. Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. American Journal of Neuroradiology. 2015 Apr;36(4):811-6. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A4173.