The Truth About MRIs and Back Pain

back pain education bulging disc degenerative disc disease disc herniation mri spinal health spinal stenosis spine surgery

back pain education • bulging disc • degenerative disc disease • disc herniation • MRI

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Why Your MRI Might Not Tell the Whole Story

If your MRI report says you have degeneration or a herniated disc, it can sound alarming. The words themselves feel serious — even permanent. But here’s what most people don’t realize:
these findings are incredibly common, even among people who have no back pain at all.

Researchers have scanned countless people who felt perfectly fine — and here’s what they found:

More than half had bulging discs
A quarter had herniated discs
Nearly two-thirds showed some kind of “abnormal” finding

And yet, none of them had pain.

So what does that tell us? Your MRI doesn’t necessarily explain your symptoms.

Structure vs. Function: What MRIs Can’t Show

An MRI is like a snapshot. It shows the structure of your spine, but not how it functions. It can reveal discs, joints, and degenerative changes — but it can’t measure how your spine moves, adapts, or feels.

That’s why you can have one person with a “terrible looking” MRI who feels great,
and another with a “clean” MRI who’s in constant pain.

The imaging doesn’t always match up with the symptoms.

💡 If you want to learn four simple ways to start protecting your back today, check out my free mini course. You’ll discover the foundational techniques most people are never taught — and they can make a big difference in how your spine feels and functions.
👉 Grab the free mini course here.

What Those Scary Words Really Mean

Your MRI might include terms like annular fissure, disc desiccation, facet arthropathy, or lesion — and it’s easy to panic when you read them.

But here’s the reality: these words show up on MRIs for many healthy adults. They simply describe age-related or structural changes, not necessarily pain or damage.

In fact, if you put me in an MRI right now, I’d probably have a few of those findings too — and I feel great.

Why Your Spine Is Stronger Than You Think

Let’s imagine you wake up with a sudden flare-up, get an MRI, and the report shows degeneration or a bulging disc. Unless you’ve recently had a major injury (like a car accident or serious fall), those changes didn’t appear overnight. They were likely there long before your pain started.

So, the real question becomes:
are those MRI findings actually the cause of your pain — or are they just background noise?

Just like a car can run smoothly even with a little rust on the bumper, your spine can have wear and tear and still move, adapt, and perform well.
Most disc issues even improve naturally over time without surgery.

When Imaging Does Matter

Of course, there are situations where MRI findings are serious — things like severe spinal stenosis, fractures, or tumors. These require medical attention.

But in the majority of cases, MRI results simply reflect normal age-related changes, not a “broken” spine.

What truly matters is how you move and how you care for your back. Your spine is strong, adaptable, and capable of recovery when you support it with the right movement strategies.

Take Action, Not Fear

Your MRI can show changes — but it can’t tell your whole story. Your body isn’t fragile or falling apart. It’s designed to adapt, heal, and stay strong.

If you want to start taking care of your back in a smarter, safer way, I’ve put together a free mini course that teaches the foundational spine-protection techniques you can start using today.

👉 Get the free mini course here.

References

Jensen MC, et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine in People Without Back Pain. N Engl J Med. 1994;331(2):69–73.
Boden SD, et al. Abnormal Magnetic-Resonance Scans of the Lumbar Spine in Asymptomatic Subjects: A Prospective Investigation. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1990;72(3):403–408.
Borenstein DG, et al. The Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine to Predict Low-Back Pain in Asymptomatic Individuals: A 7-Year Follow-Up Study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2001;83-A(9):1306–1311.
Weishaupt D, et al. MR Imaging of the Lumbar Spine: Prevalence of Intervertebral Disk Extrusion and Sequestration, Nerve Root Compression, End Plate Abnormalities, and Osteoarthritis of the Facet Joints in Asymptomatic Volunteers. Radiology. 1998;209(3):661–666.
Boos N, et al. Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Work Perception, and Psychosocial Factors in Identifying Symptomatic Disc Herniations. Spine. 1995;20(24):2613–2625.

About the Author

Dr. Matt Harris, DPT, MS, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 18 years of experience helping people with spinal conditions. He provides straight-to-the-point back pain solutions — from recovery to lifelong lifting.

Having lived through his own back injuries and guided thousands of patients, Matt knows what it takes to go from pain and setbacks to safe, confident movement.

📩 Start your recovery journey today: Get the free mini course here.