Do you need an X-ray or MRI?

Pain does not appear in pictures

• Acute injuries. In the case of acute injuries, it may be important to take pictures to see what is damaged and to determine whether a plaster cast, surgery or other measures are needed. The doctor will first assess this through an examination of the injury.

• Pain without acute injury. It is a widespread misconception that you can see the cause of pain in pictures. It is what ailments you have and what the doctor finds during the examination that forms the basis for making a diagnosis and possibly proposing treatment

Could it be something dangerous?

Many are afraid that the pain is due to cancer or another serious illness. However, it is very rare, far below 1%, that a dangerous condition is the cause of pain in the musculoskeletal system. The GP's examination determines whether more tests or images are necessary. You can read more about it in the article called "Could it be something dangerous?"

But is it so harmful to have a picture taken?

With age, everyone knows that the body changes. From the age of 30 we get wrinkles, and the hair turns gray in the 40s for most people. Such changes also occur inside the body without causing us any discomfort: the tendons become a little ragged, the discs in the vertebral column become less resilient and the joints show the first signs of aging (wear and tear). MRI is a very sensitive examination that shows such changes. Age-related changes on MRI are often misinterpreted as disease that can cause problems and may need treatment. This is almost always wrong in the case of long-term musculoskeletal problems. Many become insecure and feel sicker after hearing about such findings on the images and do not achieve better health after an MRI examination.

Why should you see your GP?

The GPs have extensive experience with musculoskeletal disorders and can give you good advice based on what is generally accepted and based on current research. Even more important is it that the doctor knows most other diseases that can cause pain in the musculoskeletal system and can examine this in a reassuring way so that you don't have to worry unnecessarily.

If you use your GP, you will also be well taken care of in the public health system with a low risk of inappropriate use of diagnostic imaging, overtreatment and often high costs for examination and treatment.