MRI AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR LOW BACK PAIN: ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS-OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common health problems among the population all over the world including all age groups. LBP has become an epidemiological burden globally. It is the number one cause of years leading with disability. The most common age group affected includes 31-50 years. Advanced imaging studies, including computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are frequently ordered in the setting of LBP. Structural abnormalities are commonly identied by CT and MRI in patients complaining of low back pain, however, these ndings are also found in asymptomatic patients. [1] The study aims to evaluate the cause of low back pain using MRI as a diagnostic tool. This is an observational study conducted in The Department of Radiology, at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, Trichy. The study was conducted over a period of 1 month. The study population size is 100 and includes the 10-70 years age group. Low back pain can have a variety of underlying causes, including spinal pathologies and other abnormal ndings involving organs beyond the spine. While spinal or vertebral pathologies can contribute the majority to LBP, they may not always be signicantly associated with it. As a result, MRI should not be the rst line of investigation for LBP. Instead, a comprehensive evaluation should be conducted to identify all possible pathologies. It is crucial to work closely with the patient's primary care physician to determine the most appropriate course of investigation and treatment for each case of low back pain.