What does it mean when your X-ray looks “normal,” but your back pain still feels sharp, unpredictable, or mechanical?

In this Vertrae® 360 Short Deep Dive, we explain why standard X-rays and MRIs may not always capture lumbar instability — especially when the problem happens during movement. Lumbar instability is often a dynamic spine problem, meaning the painful motion may only appear when you bend, stand, twist, get out of a chair, or move under load.

You’ll learn why some patients are told their imaging looks “normal for age” even though they feel sudden catching pain, slipping, locking, or the sensation that their back may give out. We also discuss why flexion-extension X-rays can help evaluate abnormal spinal motion, why pain-related muscle guarding may limit what imaging shows, and why a complete clinical evaluation matters.

This episode also covers how Dr. Kamal Woods at Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio evaluates chronic mechanical low back pain by looking beyond a standard report — including symptoms, movement patterns, dynamic imaging, spinal anatomy, multifidus function, and patient goals.

If your scans look normal but your back does not feel normal, the next step may be a more complete MotionFirst™ evaluation.

Visit Vertrae.com to request your evaluation.