MRI is normal but I still hurt?

My MRI is normal, so why does it still hurt?

MRI is excellent at diagnosing structural problems such as bones, discs, and ligaments. But functional problems like fascial tension, micro-circulation impairment, and nerve hypersensitivity don’t appear on imaging. More than 70% of chronic pain stems from these functional problems.

A closer look

The causes of pain can be divided into two broad categories.

Structural problems

Herniated discs, torn ligaments, fractures, tumors, and so on

These are detectable on MRI.

Functional problems

Fascial tension, poor circulation, abnormal movement patterns, nerve hypersensitivity

These stay invisible on MRI.

Why don’t they show up on MRI?

  • Fascial and muscle tension. MRI is a static image, so it can’t tell how stiff a muscle is or how tightly the fascia is bound up.
  • Micro-circulation impairment. Reduced blood flow with a buildup of inflammatory substances often doesn’t show up well on a standard MRI.
  • Nerve hypersensitivity. A nerve can become hypersensitive without any damage, so it looks structurally normal while the pain is severe.
  • Movement problems. When pain only appears during certain movements, it won’t show on an MRI taken while you lie still.

So what should you do?

A normal MRI doesn’t mean “nothing is wrong.” It means you need other tests that evaluate function.

  • Movement assessment. Identifying which movements trigger pain and whether there are problems in your movement patterns
  • Palpation exam. Checking the tension of muscles and fascia and locating tender points
  • Nerve hypersensitivity assessment. Determining whether the nerves have become hypersensitive

The Yonsei SM approach

We don’t look at MRI results alone. We also assess your functional problems. Through our 3-stage circulation treatment, we restore blocked circulation, release stiffened fascia, and correct faulty movement patterns.

If you have these symptoms, a functional problem is likely

  • You feel especially stiff in the morning, and moving around eases it
  • The pain gets worse when you hold the same position for a long time
  • Stretching or massage helps for a while, but the pain comes back
  • The pain flares up when you’re stressed or tired
  • The painful area isn’t fixed. It moves around or covers a wide area
  • Painkillers help temporarily but don’t fix the underlying problem

Functional problems, solved with circulation therapy

Our 3-stage circulation treatment is effective at resolving the functional problems that MRI can’t see.

  • Stage 1, Calm. We settle down hypersensitive nerves and tense muscles.
  • Stage 2, Wake. We wake up weakened muscles and restore normal movement.
  • Stage 3, Make it stick. We retrain you to use correct patterns in everyday life.

Frequently asked together

Is your MRI normal but you’re still in pain?

Our specialists will precisely assess your functional problems and build a treatment plan tailored to you.

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References

  • Brinjikji W et al. Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015;36(4):811-816. PMID 25430861
  • Jensen MC et al. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine in people without back pain. N Engl J Med. 1994;331(2):69-73. PMID 8208267
  • Moseley GL, Butler DS. Fifteen years of explaining pain: the past, present, and future. J Pain. 2015;16(9):807-813.
  • Waddell G et al. A new clinical model for the treatment of low-back pain. Spine. 1984;9(2):179-184.