Personal stories about deciding whether to have an MRI for low back pain

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Greg, age 38: I injured my back about a month ago lifting my daughter out of her car seat. I've been doing all the home treatment that my doctor recommended: ice, walking, anti-inflammatories, and rest from activities that bother it. I went to a physical therapy class that taught me how to lift properly and protect my back. My leg pain and other symptoms are a little better every week, but they are definitely still there. My doctor says that based on my symptoms, she doesn't think there is anything really serious going on but that it would be reasonable to have an MRI scan now if I am willing to have surgery. Even though I'm tired of the pain, it is getting better (slowly), and I think I will just hold off for a few more weeks.

Michelle, age 35: My back and leg pain has been constant and severe since I twisted my back about 3 months ago. Most of the pain is in my leg, which makes my doctor and me think that I have a pinched nerve. I also have severe weakness in my leg. I'm usually the type of person who tries to wait things out, but this is disabling. I'm going to have the MRI, and if it shows a problem that can be fixed, I'll talk to my doctor about what I can do next.

Bob, age 55: If I was in my 30s again and still working as a roofer, I would be having an MRI and surgery as soon as I could to treat my herniated disc. But my work now doesn't depend as much on my ability to lift and carry heavy loads, so I can wait for my symptoms to go away on their own. I'm going to try exercise and anti-inflammatories to see if I can speed up the process and relieve the pain without surgery.

Franco, age 54: I injured my back about a month or so ago. I was ready to have surgery right then, but my doctor encouraged me to wait awhile. The pain is still as bad as it ever was, and now it is more in my leg than in my back. I want surgery more than ever. I'm going to have an MRI, and then my doctor and I can see if it shows anything that can be helped with surgery.