Some doctors obtain x-rays or other imaging studies to investigate low back pain, even in the absence of symptoms suggestive of serious low back conditions. In the February 7, 2009 issue of Lancet, researchers report that routine imaging for low back pain without indication of serious underlying conditions does not improve patient outcomes .

 Researchers funded by the American Pain Society conducted a meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials involving a total of 1804 patients in order to investigate the effects of routine, immediate low back, or lumbar, imaging compared to usual clinical care without imaging in patients with low back pain and no indication of serious underlying conditions. They found that here was no difference in either short-term or long-term clinical outcomes.

The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that doctors should refrain from routine use of imaging in patients with low back pain in the absence of other serious conditions. Education is needed for both patients and their doctors in order to change the practice of obtaining routine imaging for all individuals who complain of low back pain.

Source

Lancet. 2009;373:463-472.