"Bulging Disc Pain MIS-diagnosed"
By Tommy Hoffman, Licensed Physical Therapist
It goes without saying, as a back pain condition is inaccurately diagnosed, then the treatment geared towards that diagnosis is also inaccurate. Perhaps more than people realize, an improper diagnosis happens more often than you might think.
I can’t tell you how many times a physician referral will come across my desk with an improper diagnosis or better yet, NO diagnosis at all. It is not so uncommon to see a prescription for physical therapy treatment with an “evaluate and treat” written on it. Obviously this is not much help when trying to determine the best course of physical therapy treatment to perform.
Sometimes clients are given what I call a “working” diagnosis. That is, they are given a diagnosis of back strain or back sprain until a more definitive diagnosis can be reached. Usually this is with the help of an MRI report.
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a diagnostic test capable of looking at all the soft tissue in and around the lumbar spine. While an x-ray can be of some benefit, it cannot determine whether or not you have a bulging disc or herniated disc. As these structures are transparent on an x-ray film.
I wish that all the people walking into my clinic had an MRI performed ahead of time. It saves time because treatment can be better geared towards the real underlying problem, and not an “evaluate and treat” kind of mentality. I have seen recovery delayed several months because a proper diagnosis was not achieved early on.
Money is also saved because insurance companies are reimbursing for care that has served very little to no benefit. How could benefit be achieved as treatment was provided for the wrong diagnosis? And still it happens.
If you experience or are experiencing a lower back injury, be sure to play an active role. Become your very own best advocate. Perhaps keeping a lower back pain journal might be of some value.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or challenge your doctor. Perhaps consider getting a new doctor if your needs are not met?
By not paying more attention and holding your healthcare providers more accountable, you risk wasting time, and money. Even more importantly, you may not become well or recover your health as the root cause of your lower back pain is not accurately established.
Be polite, and also be vigilant.
Good Luck,
Tommy Hoffman, P.T.
Tommy Hoffman
"Don't spend more time with back pain by not finding out the truth today!"