For Low Back Pain, CT Scans and MRIs Not Recommended

The American College of Physicians is convinced that the X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs that are routinely used to diagnose the causes of low back pain are more costly than useful, and may expose patients to dangerous radiation. HealthDay reports that new guidelines for diagnostic imaging for people with low back pain, published in the Feb. 1 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, were issued after six different studies  found that people with spine problems who got radiological tests had similar or worse scores on quality of life and physical functioning assessments a year later, compared to patients who went without the scans. Other research showed that in 2005, the average cost of treating one patient with back or neck problems was $6,096, and that imaging tests made up a significant portion of those costs. The bill includes follow-up that might occur afterward such as additional tests, referrals and additional treatments that sometimes include surgery.

Read more in HealthDay.