Are Your X-ray and MRI Results Helpful or Harmful?

"I can't run, I have arthritis"

"It hurts to bend forward because of my bulging disc"

People are always blaming their pain on their medical imaging results, but how much do your x-ray and MRI findings actually correlate with your pain?

We speak with physiotherapist, Dr. Bahram Jam, about common medical imaging results, their correlation with pain, and how to incorporate these results into your practice. We also discuss the impact of imaging on the healthcare system and the over-medicalization of pain, which can lead to poorer patient outcomes. 

To learn more about Dr. Bahram Jam, read his clinical articles, and download a free VOMIT poster (now titled "Medical Imaging: The Untold Truth"), visit his website www.aptei.ca

00:27 Can you introduce yourself?

01:03 Can you share your story of your evolution as a clinician? 

02:49 Do you believe that everyone should get medial imaging for an injury? 

04:10  How do you incorporate medical imaging results into your patient care?

05:25 Do medical imaging findings correlate with pain? 

06:40 Are there any good research studies that support this?

07:50 For a specific patient, how do you determine if a structural abnormality on the scan is relevant and either a concern or cause of their pain?

08:42 What are common mistakes that clinicians make when it comes to interpreting medical imaging results?

09:45 Can you give us examples of imaging results that may be irrelevant?

11:38 In your experience, has there been a change in how physicians order and use imaging in musckuloskeletal medicine?

13:29  Does the amount of medical imaging have an impact on the healthcare system? 

15:51 In your experience, what are patients’ thoughts and attitudes towards imaging?

16:59 As a patient, if I’ve had a scan that shows abnormal findings, should I be worried?

18:47 What language do you use to describe imaging/assessment findings to the patient?

22:10 Does language influence pain?

22:50 What are common mistakes that clinicians make with patient communication?

23:57 When is it ok to use a pathoanatomical explanation for pain?

25:14 Can you share a story of a memorable patient experience that is relevant to our discussion?

27:41 Can you tell us about your book

30:07 Can you tell us about your VOMIT poster?

32:06 How can people find out more about you?