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Lower back pain can be frustrating. One moment, you’re feeling fine, and the next, you can barely get out of bed. When the pain lingers, many people assume something is seriously wrong and rush to get an x-ray, hoping for answers.
But here’s the truth… An x-ray might not be the magic solution you think it is. In fact, relying on it too soon could be a waste of time, money, and effort—while your pain remains the same.
So, when should you get an x-ray? And what else could be causing your pain? Let’s break it down.
You’ve tried stretching. You’ve tried resting. You’ve even popped a few painkillers. But after weeks—or even months—the pain is still there.
If your lower back pain has been persistent for more than a month despite your best efforts, it may be time to investigate further. However, before jumping to an x-ray, it’s essential to understand one key fact:
👉 Pain isn’t just about the bones.
Most people assume that if they’re hurting, the issue must be with their spine, discs, or joints. But in reality, pain is often caused by something else entirely: your fascia.
Fascia is the thin, connective tissue that surrounds your muscles, bones, and organs. It’s loaded with nerve endings—1,000 times more than your muscles!—which means that even a small dysfunction in the fascia can lead to major discomfort.
So, while your x-ray might show absolutely nothing wrong with your spine, that doesn’t mean you’re not in pain. It simply means the problem could be coming from elsewhere—like tight or inflamed fascia.
Many people assume that if they get an x-ray, they’ll finally get clear answers about their pain. But here’s the harsh truth:
🛑 X-rays don’t treat pain.
They only provide an image of your bone structure—not your muscles, fascia, or other soft tissues. So, if the cause of your pain isn’t related to a bone abnormality, the x-ray won’t tell you anything useful.
That’s why jumping to an x-ray too soon can be a mistake—it might give you a false sense of reassurance (or worse, unnecessary worry) while completely ignoring the real cause of your pain.
Before you rush to get an x-ray, here’s what you should do instead:
✅ Give It Time: Many cases of lower back pain resolve within 4-6 weeks with proper care. Stay active, stretch, and avoid prolonged sitting.
✅ Focus on Fascia: Since fascia is often a hidden source of pain, try treatments like massage therapy, myofascial release, or foam rolling to see if it helps.
✅ Listen to Your Body: If your pain isn’t improving after a month—or it’s getting worse—then it might be time to consult your doctor about an x-ray.
An x-ray can be useful if your pain persists for more than a month despite all efforts to relieve it. But it’s not always the first step!
🔹 Before rushing to get imaging, focus on addressing soft tissue issues—especially fascia.
🔹 If your pain doesn’t improve within 4-6 weeks, then consult your doctor for further evaluation.
🔹 Remember: Treating pain isn’t just about looking at bones—it’s about treating you!
So, before you panic about that nagging lower back pain, take the right steps. Your relief might be easier to find than you think!
Uran Berisha,
B.Sc. PT, RMT
Shockwave Therapy Educator & Founder
Unpain Clinic & I Love Shockwave
