The biggest issue with MRIs is that they are too good. They pick up every tiny deviation from a "perfect" spine. However, many of these findings are just normal signs of aging.

• The Reality: Studies show that a huge percentage of people with no pain have disc bulges, herniations, and degneration.
• The Trap: If you are 40 years old and have back pain, an MRI will almost certainly show a bulging disc. You (and sometimes your doctor) may blame the pain on that bulge, even though it might have been there for ten years without causing a single issue.