You finally got the MRI.
You expected answers.
Instead, you heard: “Everything looks normal.”
And yet… your back still hurts. 😣
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people with real, daily back pain have normal or near-normal MRIs.
👉 The truth: MRIs don’t show many of the most common pain sources.
Let’s break down why that happens — and what to do next.
🧠 What an MRI Is Great At (and What It Misses)
MRIs are excellent at showing:
✅ Large disc herniations
✅ Severe nerve compression
✅ Fractures, tumors, infections
✅ Advanced degeneration
But most chronic low back pain doesn’t come from those problems.
Instead, it often comes from structures that don’t show clearly on imaging.
🔎 The Real Pain Generators MRIs Often Miss
🔹 1) Facet Joint Irritation (Back of the Spine)
Small joints in the back of your spine can become inflamed and painful.
Symptoms
- Pain with standing or leaning backward
- Stiffness after sitting
- Local low back ache into the buttocks
Why MRI misses it: It’s often inflammatory and functional, not structural.
🔹 2) Muscle & Fascia Dysfunction (Most Common Cause)
Tight, overworked muscles and trigger points create deep, nagging pain.
Symptoms
- Achy, tight, pulling sensation
- Worse after activity or prolonged sitting
- Tender spots you can press
Why MRI misses it: Muscles and fascia don’t show up as “abnormal.”
🔹 3) Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
The SI joint is a huge but overlooked source of low back pain.
Symptoms
- One-sided low back pain
- Pain getting out of the car or rolling in bed
- Pain into the buttock/hip
Why MRI misses it: Subtle SI dysfunction is rarely obvious.
🔹 4) Nerve Sensitivity Without Compression
Nerves can be irritated without being pinched.
Symptoms
- Burning, zapping, radiating discomfort
- Pain that changes with position
Why MRI misses it: The nerve looks “free,” but it’s still irritated.
🔹 5) Movement Problems (Biomechanics)
Weak glutes, stiff hips, poor movement patterns overload the low back.
Why MRI misses it: MRIs don’t evaluate how you move.
💡 The Big Takeaway
An MRI shows structure. Pain often comes from function.
This is why people are told:
“Your MRI is fine.”
“Nothing is wrong.”
“You just have to live with it.”
When in reality, the true pain source was never evaluated.
🏥 How We Find the Real Cause at Cedar Rapids Pain Associates
At Cedar Rapids Pain Associates, we look at what the MRI can’t show:
✔️ Detailed movement exam
✔️ Facet & SI joint testing
✔️ Muscle and trigger point evaluation
✔️ Nerve irritation assessment
✔️ Biomechanical screening with PT + chiropractic integration
Then we match the problem to the right solution.
🛠️ Non-Surgical Treatments That Target Hidden Pain Sources
Depending on what we find, treatment may include:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections
- BMAC (bone marrow concentrate / stem cells) injections
- Shockwave therapy
- MLS Robotic Laser Therapy
- Spinal decompression therapy
- Spinal procedures (epidural steroid injections, medial branch blocks, and radiofrequency ablations)
- Targeted joint or trigger point injections
- Physical therapy and chiropractic care
These target the actual pain generator — not just what shows on a scan.
🙌 When a “Normal MRI” Is Actually Good News
It means:
✅ You likely don’t need surgery
✅ Your problem is often very treatable
✅ The right diagnosis can lead to real relief
📞 What To Do If This Is You
If you’ve been told:
“Your MRI is normal, but you still hurt.”
You don’t need another scan.
You need a better evaluation.
Ready to find the real cause of your back pain?
📱 Call 319-294-0094
🌐 Visit crpainfree.com
Cedar Rapids Pain Associates
“Quick Relief from the Pain Specialists”