Tests and Diagnosis

More tests don't always mean better care. In fact, unnecessary tests can sometimes increase your anxiety and lead you down the wrong path.

An important note: Have you ever felt frustrated that your doctor didn't order an MRI? It may not be that your doctor is dismissing your pain — they may actually be protecting you from unnecessary worry. Read on to understand why.

What You'll Learn

• What your doctor is looking for during your examination
• Why MRI doesn't "solve everything"
• Why test results can change if you're over 60
• How psychological factors predict chronic pain better than imaging — what "yellow flags" are
• The role and limitations of diagnostic injections
• How to prepare for your first appointment