Pain Medicine Insights

Can an MRI scan predict future back pain?

What do MRI findings really tell us about future back pain and disability?

Read research article →

Spinal cord stimulation for painful diabetic neuropathy: how strong is the evidence?

What does the SENZA-PDN study show about spinal cord stimulation for painful diabetic neuropathy?

Read research article →

Does exercise really help chronic lower back pain?

How effective is exercise for chronic lower back pain, according to recent research?

Read research article →

Does an MRI scan always explain back pain?

Scans can identify important abnormalities, but changes such as disc degeneration are also common in people without pain. A scan needs to be interpreted alongside symptoms and examination findings.

Imaging is particularly useful when there are concerning symptoms, suspected serious pathology, or when the result could change treatment. A scan result alone does not necessarily identify the source of pain.

For patients: Ask how a scan finding relates to your symptoms and whether it changes the management plan.

Can exercise help persistent lower back pain?

Exercise is commonly recommended for persistent lower back pain. Different approaches may help different people, and no single exercise programme is best for everyone.

The aim is often to improve movement, confidence and day-to-day function, with gradual progression suited to individual capabilities. Improvement can be meaningful even if pain does not disappear completely.

For patients: A realistic, sustainable programme usually matters more than finding a supposedly perfect exercise.

Radiofrequency denervation: who might benefit?

Radiofrequency denervation uses heat to interrupt selected small nerves that carry pain signals from spinal joints. It is considered for some people with suspected facet-joint pain.

Clinical trials have produced mixed results, and the size and duration of benefit remain debated. Patient selection, diagnostic assessment and discussion of alternatives are important.

For patients: Ask about the likelihood of benefit, how long it might last, potential risks and what happens if it does not help.

Basivertebral nerve ablation: what is it?

Basivertebral nerve ablation is a procedure intended to treat certain types of chronic low back pain thought to arise from the vertebral endplates. It is not a general treatment for every cause of back pain.

Research suggests that carefully selected patients may benefit, but eligibility depends on clinical features, MRI findings and exclusion of other important causes of pain. Availability and guidance vary.

For patients: The key question is whether the proposed pain mechanism fits your individual presentation.