The Use of Pain Severity and Its Impact as a Predictor for MRI Findings: A Cross-Sectional Study in Ta'if, Saudi Arabia

Background Low back pain (LBP) is common and considerably impacts daily lives across all age groups. MRI is not frequently used as a first-line investigation for patients presenting with LBP, except in the presence of red-flag symptoms. This study aimed to use pain severity and its impact as a predictor for MRI findings to help physicians decide whether a patient needs an MRI. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of the neurosurgery department. The questionnaire included demographic data of the patients, red-flag symptoms, and the Dallas Pain Questionnaire (DPQ). The primary physician then determines whether the patient should have an MRI appointment. Results The study included 100 patients with LBP, of which 71 had chronic LBP (CLBP). Out of these 71, an MRI was requested for 62, but only 26 had findings related to LBP. Regarding the impact of CLBP on daily activities as measured by the DPQ, there was a significant association between those whose CLBP affected their daily activities and the decision to request an MRI. However, no significant statistical association was found between the three other parameters of the DPQ and the primary physician's decision to request an MRI. Conclusion Concerning the use of the DPQ questionnaire to predict MRI findings in patients with CLBP, the study indicates that significant pain impact on the DPQ does not necessarily correlate with MRI findings related to LBP. This suggests that the DPQ evaluation tool has no advantage over a physician's clinical judgment.