Normal abnormal findings on cervical MRI

[NJPAIN]

In reviewing MANY charts in MVA cases I often see cervical MRI studies describing tiny disc protrusions or disc bulging that "abuts the thecal sac" or "effaces the anterior CSF" without any contact with the cord or roots. Inevitably this leads to a multitude of treatment for axial and or radicular pain. Not infrequently there is a "positive" EDX study to go along with it.

Is there any literature that supports the fact that such "lesions" on MRI cause axial or radicular pain?

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[lobelsteve]

Imagined or feigned dictated findings lead to extra studies, unnecessary injections. Read the films yourself. Establish concordant history and exam. Treat the patient and not the study.

 

[deleted185747]

There are studies regarding the findings described in asymptotic patients.
There are also studies regarding what causes those MRI findings.