MRI is normalbut I still hurt?

Pain Treatment Q&A

MRI is normal
but I still hurt?

There are problems MRI can’t see

You’ve had MRI and tests done, but they say there’s “no problem.” Yet the pain is real. Why? Because MRI can only show structural problems. It can’t show functional problems.

Structural vs. functional problems illustration

Quick Answer

MRI can only detect “structural problems” (fractures, tears, herniations, etc.). But about 70% of chronic pain comes from “functional problems” not visible on MRI (neural sensitivity, muscle dysfunction, movement imbalance).

✅ At Yonsei Shinmyung, we find and treat functional problems
We use movement analysis, muscle response testing, and gait analysis to assess functional problems invisible on MRI, and improve them through Circulation HD and PT.

Structural vs. Functional Problems

Understanding the difference between these two types of problems is key to effective treatment:

① Structural Problems (Visible on MRI)

Physical damage or deformity to tissues. Like a “broken part.”

  • Examples: Fractures, torn ligaments, herniated discs, torn tendons, cartilage damage
  • MRI Detection: ✅ Visible
  • Treatment: Often requires surgery or injection

If MRI shows structural problems, focus on treating them first.

② Functional Problems (NOT Visible on MRI)

Tissue not physically damaged, but not working properly. Like a “malfunctioning part.”

  • Examples: Neural sensitivity, muscle weakness/rigidity, movement imbalance, poor blood flow, adhesions
  • MRI Detection: ❌ Not visible (because there’s no structural damage)
  • Treatment: Resolve through movement correction, tissue improvement, activation

→ If MRI is normal but you have pain, suspect functional problems

Examples of functional problems not visible on MRI

No structural damage, but function is impaired.

1. Neural Sensitivity

Nerves sending pain signals at the slightest stimulation, even without structural compression or damage.

  • Light touch feels painful
  • Pain disproportionate to stimulation
  • Hypersensitive to pressure

MRI: Normal (no nerve damage visible)

2. Muscle Weakness/Rigidity

Muscles not torn or damaged, but weakened or rigid and unable to function properly.

  • Can’t put strength into certain muscles
  • Muscles feel stiff and tight
  • Difficulty maintaining posture

MRI: Normal (no muscle tear visible)

3. Movement Imbalance

No problem with bones or joints, but movements are unbalanced causing localized overload and pain.

  • Awkward gait
  • Pain in certain postures
  • Pain worsens with specific movements

MRI: Normal (no joint damage visible)

4. Poor Blood Flow & Adhesions

Compressed or adhered tissues restricting blood flow, but no visible damage on MRI.

  • Constantly heavy and tired feeling
  • Stiffness when still, pain when moving
  • Swelling and poor recovery

MRI: Normal (blood flow not visible)

✅ If MRI is normal but you have pain, chances are high it’s a functional problem
You need assessment and treatment methods that can detect functional problems, not just MRI.

How Yonsei Shinmyung detects functional problems

We don’t just rely on imaging tests. We use various assessment methods to detect functional problems:

  1. Gait Analysis
    Assess movement imbalances by analyzing gait. Movement problems appear before pain.

    → Learn more about gait analysis

  2. Muscle Response Testing
    Press specific muscles to check if they’re working properly. Detect weakened or rigid muscles.
  3. Movement Testing
    Have patient perform specific movements to check which movements cause pain and which movements are limited.
  4. Palpation Assessment
    Touch tissues directly to check for adhesions, swelling, temperature changes, and sensitivity.
  5. Ultrasound Assessment
    Use ultrasound to check blood flow, nerve compression, and tissue adhesions in real-time.

→ Combining these assessments, we identify functional problems not visible on MRI
Once we identify the problem, we treat with appropriate methods (Circulation HD, PT, Movement Correction).

Related Questions

Q. Do I still need MRI?

✅ Yes, MRI is still necessary. First, we need to confirm there are no structural problems (fractures, tears, herniations, etc.). If structural problems are found, we need to treat them appropriately.

→ Get MRI first, and if results are normal, we assess functional problems. This is the safest and most accurate approach.

Q. Can functional problems become structural problems?

✅ Yes. If functional problems are left untreated, they can eventually cause structural problems. For example:

  • Movement imbalance → Cartilage wear → Arthritis
  • Muscle weakness → Joint instability → Ligament damage
  • Neural sensitivity + Overload → Persistent inflammation → Tissue damage

→ Treat functional problems early to prevent structural problems.

Q. Which is more important to treat, structural or functional problems?

Both are important. Structural problems require appropriate treatment (surgery, injections, etc.), and functional problems require appropriate treatment (HD, PT, Movement Correction).

Especially important: Even if you treat structural problems, if you don’t address functional problems, pain can recur. For example:

  • Had disc surgery, but movement imbalance remains → Pain recurs
  • Torn rotator cuff healed, but muscles still weak → Re-injury

→ For complete recovery, you need to treat both structural and functional problems.

Q. The doctor said there’s nothing wrong. Am I imagining the pain?

❌ No, the pain is real. If MRI is normal, it simply means there’s no structural damage visible on imaging. It doesn’t mean there’s no problem at all.

Pain from functional problems is just as real as pain from structural problems. Don’t dismiss your pain or endure it. Find a clinic that can detect and treat functional problems.

→ At Yonsei Shinmyung, we accurately diagnose and treat functional problems.

Functional problem treatment at Yonsei Shinmyung

We don’t stop at imaging tests. We accurately diagnose and treat functional problems.

  1. Initial Assessment — Check MRI results and imaging tests first
  2. Functional Assessment — Gait analysis, muscle response testing, movement testing
  3. Root Cause Identification — Determine which tissues and movements are problematic
  4. Downshift — Circulation HD to reduce neural sensitivity and restore blood flow
  5. Activate — Circulation PT to restore muscle function
  6. Integrate — Movement correction to restore movement balance

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MRI is normal
but the pain is real

We find and treat problems not visible on imaging tests.

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