Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2007 Mar 15;32(6):681-4. Disc degeneration in low back pain: a 17-year follow-up study using magnetic resonance imaging. Waris E1, Eskelin M, Hermunen H, Kiviluoto O, Paajanen H.

CONCLUSIONS:

Early DD in adolescent patients with low back pain predicted the evolution of enhanced DD and herniation in adulthood, but it was not associated with severe low back pain or increased disability or frequency of spinal surgery.

Dr. Kennedy comment:  Many population studies (some as early as 1990) conclude MRI findings rarely dispose a patient to an accurate diagnostic or future outcome profile. Twin-separation studies also conclude DD is likely highly familial. Focusing on impaired motions, ergonomics, psychological risk factors and attending to the patients’ pain (and not on MRI findings) is still the most reasonable approach.  JACA 13 years ago (spring 2002) recommended DC’s use caution in relying on and being too quick to recommend MRI for typical back presentations. That remains even truer today given the many studies like this.