"Your Spine Is 80 Years Old" & Other MRI Myths Busted

plus protein for longevity and are cardio zones overrated?

Author

Dr. Matt Longfellow
August 17, 2024

"Your Spine is 80 Years Old!" (and Other MRI Myths Busted)

Earlier this week, this guy walked into my office (no, this isn't the start of a bad joke). 

Let's call him Joe.

Joe’s been battling back pain for four long years.

He can't bend over without feeling like his spine's ‘about to blow’. Not only that, but he's also had to say goodbye to his running shoes and barbells.

The kicker?

His doctor looked at his MRI and dropped this bombshell: 

"You've got degenerative disc disease. Your spine looks like it belongs to an 80-year-old!"

Talk about a back-breaking diagnosis.

...or is it? 🤔

Here's the thing: Joe’s story isn't as unique (or as scary) as you might think.

Turns out MRIs and X-rays aren't all that useful in figuring out what's causing your aches and pains–in most cases.

Now, don't get me wrong – I'm not against MRI's. In more severe cases, an MRI may be necessary and can provide crucial information.

But for the majority of musculoskeletal pain? Not so much.

Except in cases of major trauma or serious nerve issues, MRI's don't tell us much about the true causes of your pain.

Let's dive into why your MRI may not be the doom-and-gloom prophecy it’s cracked up to be:

MRI Results: When Medical Jargon Meets Reality

Ever felt like your MRI report was written in Klingon? You're not alone!

Let's break down some common findings:

"Degenerative Disc Disease": The Spine's Battle Scars

“Bulging" Discs: The Spine's Speed Bumps

  • What it sounds like: Your discs are making a break for it!

  • What it often means: Often a normal part of aging, like gray hair for your spine.

  • Did you know? Over half of pain-free folks have disc bulges. Plus, about two-thirds of herniated discs heal on their own!

“Spinal Stenosis": The Spine's Traffic Jam

  • What it sounds like: Your spinal cord is being squeezed like a tube of toothpaste!

  • What it often means: A narrowed spinal canal, which may or may not cause symptoms.

  • Surprise fact: Many people with narrowed spinal canals have zero pain!

“Rotator Cuff Tears": The Shoulder's Badge of Honor

  • What it sounds like: You'll never high-five again! 🙅‍♂️

  • What it often means: A common finding, even in people without pain.

  • Chuckle-worthy stat: almost 50% of people with rotator cuff tears have NO pain!

Why "You Have the Spine of an 80-Year-Old" Is Cringe 😬

Showing people scary-looking MRI results can actually make their pain WORSE.

It's called the "nocebo effect" - the evil twin of the placebo effect. 

Seeing a 'problem' can make you fear your pain, leading to more pain and disability. It's a vicious cycle.

But many of these "abnormalities" are as normal as your weird uncle at Thanksgiving dinner. They're part of life for all of us!

The "From Oh No to Oh Yeah" Plan:

  1. Keep Moving: Your body is built for motion - like a bicycle, it stays balanced when it's MOVING.

  2. Stay Positive: Your MRI results are one small piece of the puzzle. They don't define you or your pain.

  3. Be Patient: Healing takes time. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a pain-free you.

TL;DR: MRI’s Show ‘Mileage’ – Doesn’t Mean You’re Broken

Remember, your MRI results are one piece of a much larger puzzle. While in severe cases MRI findings can be clinically relevant, they're not the whole story.

As for Joe?

He's well on his way to getting back to his barbells and running shoes.

Like Joe, your MRI results may show some 'mileage' – but that doesn't mean the journey's over!

Your body is stronger than you think, and with the right guidance, you can move towards a pain-free life.

We helped Joe see beyond his MRI results, and we're here to help you too.

If you're ready to write your own comeback story:

We'll help you craft a plan that's music to your joints' ears, and get you back to doing what you love.

No pressure, just practical advice to get you moving pain-free.

Keep moving, 

Dr. Matt

P.S. Remember, your body is stronger than you think. Don't let an MRI tell you otherwise.

What I’m Digging This Week…

Summary: Forget what you've heard about cutting protein as you age. New research shows that older folks, even those with kidney problems, might actually live longer by eating more protein. A big study of over 8,500 seniors found that higher protein intake - up to twice the usual recommendation - was linked to lower death rates. This held true for both animal and plant proteins.

Takeaway: Don't shy away from protein. Aim for up to 1.6 grams per kilogram of your body weight daily. That's about 109 grams for a 150-pound person. Mix it up with fish, lean meats, dairy, beans, and nuts. This could help keep your muscles strong and your bones healthy as you age. But here's the kicker - always chat with your doctor first, especially if you have health concerns. They can help you figure out the right amount for you without overdoing it.

Summary: New research debunks the cardio zones craze. A study of 14,400 older women shows that for living longer and healthier, total movement matters more than intensity. Whether you're counting exercise minutes or daily steps, more activity equals better health outcomes.

Takeaway: Keep it simple - just move more. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, 75 minutes of intense exercise, or 8,000 to 10,000 steps daily. Don't sweat the intensity unless you have specific fitness goals. Find what works for you and stick with it. The best exercise is the one you'll actually do consistently.