Why Imaging Doesn’t Always Tell the Whole Story
By Dr. Darin Fodor, Chiropractor
Understanding the Limitations of Medical Imaging
It’s a common scenario — you’re in pain, you get an X-ray or MRI, and the results either show nothing unusual or something alarming. Understandably, this can be confusing.
How can your scan look “normal” when you’re clearly in pain? Or, how can a report describe degeneration or a tear even when you feel perfectly fine?
Let’s unpack why imaging doesn’t always correlate with symptoms — and why that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
2. Age-Related Findings Are Often Normal
As we age, our joints, discs, and tendons naturally change. These structural findings on imaging are often normal signs of aging, not necessarily the source of pain.
Research has shown:
Up to 50% of people in their 40s have disc bulges on MRI — half of them report no back pain.
Many adults over 50 have partial rotator cuff tears without shoulder symptoms.
Meniscal tears are often present in symptom-free knees.
Think of these findings like wrinkles or grey hair — part of the body’s natural aging process, not a sign of damage.
1. Imaging Shows Structure — Not Pain
Medical imaging (MRI, CT, or X-ray) provides a static picture of your anatomy, but pain is much more than what we see on a scan.
Pain is influenced by many factors — including inflammation, sleep, stress, previous injury, and nervous system sensitivity.
Two people can have the same disc bulge on an MRI:
One may have no symptoms at all.
The other might experience significant back pain.
The difference isn’t in the scan — it’s in how their body and nervous system respond.
4. Misinterpreting Scans Can Create Fear
Imaging can sometimes do more harm than good when findings are misinterpreted.
Words like “degeneration,” “tear,” or “wear and tear” can sound frightening — but they don’t always mean damage or danger.
When patients are told they have a “bad back” or “worn-out joints”, it can lead to fear, avoidance of movement, and worsening pain due to inactivity.
At Momentum Health & Chiro Townsville, we focus on education — helping you understand what your scan means in the context of your overall health, strength, and movement.
3. Scans Can’t Measure Movement or Function
An MRI can’t tell us how you move, lift, or load. It doesn’t measure:
Muscle strength
Joint control
Coordination
How your body adapts during activity
Someone might have joint degeneration on imaging yet still run marathons pain-free, while another person with a “normal” scan may struggle with everyday movements.
That’s why a detailed movement assessment and physical exam provide more meaningful information than imaging alone.
5. When Is Imaging Actually Useful?
Imaging absolutely has its place — when used appropriately and for the right reasons.
It’s especially helpful if:
A fracture, infection, or serious pathology is suspected.
Symptoms don’t improve after a period of conservative care.
Surgery is being considered and detailed anatomy is needed.
But for most musculoskeletal issues (like back, neck, or joint pain), the best information comes from clinical assessment and patient history, not from a picture.
The Bottom Line
Imaging is a tool — but it’s not the whole toolbox.
Pain and function are complex, and what appears on a scan doesn’t always predict how you feel or perform.
At Momentum Health & Chiro, we use imaging as part of a broader, evidence-based approach — one that prioritises your movement, goals, and overall wellbeing.
If you’ve been told your scan “looks normal” but you’re still in pain, or if you’ve been worried by your results, book an appointment today. We’ll help you interpret your findings and create a plan that addresses what really matters — how you move and feel.
