Why Scans and X-Rays Aren’t Always the Answer — And Why a Physio Might Help You Faster

When something hurts, it’s natural to think, “I need a scan.” Many people assume that an X-ray or MRI will reveal exactly what’s wrong and point straight to the solution. But here’s the surprising truth: for most common aches and pains, scans are not the starting point — and often they don’t change the treatment at all.

Research consistently shows that most findings on scans are completely normal signs of ageing, not the cause of pain. In fact, over half of people in their 40s and 50s with no pain at all show disc bulges, “degeneration”, or “wear and tear” on MRI. These words sound scary, but in most cases they’re as normal as wrinkles on skin.

So if scans often show things that aren’t causing the problem… where should you start?

A physiotherapist. Physios specialise in understanding how you move, what your joints, muscles and nerves are doing, and why a particular activity triggers pain. Unlike a scan, which captures a still image, a physio assessment looks at the whole picture: your strength, posture tolerance, habits, work set-up, previous injuries, and day-to-day movement.

Most importantly, physios can start helping you immediately. No waiting lists, no delays, no “see your GP first”. A good physiotherapist can usually tell you within one session:

• What’s causing your symptoms

• Whether it’s something that needs medical attention

• Which movements will help

• What to avoid for now

• How to settle things quickly and safely

And here’s the part most people don’t realise: even when a scan is eventually needed, physiotherapists are often the ones who spot the red flags early and guide you in the right direction. They identify the conditions that genuinely require imaging — and just as importantly, they help you avoid unnecessary tests that may worry you without providing answers.

For back pain, neck pain, joint aches, tendon issues, sprains, and everyday niggles, physiotherapy is almost always the fastest route to relief. Instead of waiting weeks for an image that may not change anything, you can get expert assessment, hands-on care, and a clear plan — all within days.

Sometimes the best picture of your health doesn’t come from a scan… it comes from someone who understands how your body moves.