50,000 back-patients are x-rayed too many every year

50,000 back patients unnecessarily x-rayed per year

08/04/2015

According to a recent study, many physicians in Germany quickly resort to uncomplicated back pain to the X-ray machine. As a survey of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) shows, nearly 50,000 patients are x-rayed every year. And that although the causes on the X-ray images often can not be detected.

Every third patient is X-rayed within six weeks
According to a new study, physicians in Germany quickly resort to uncomplicated back pain to the X-ray machine, reports the news agency dpa. As a survey of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) shows, almost 50,000 patients are x-rayed every year. Accordingly, of all patients with acute low back pain undergoing radiological examination, one in three is placed under the X-ray apparatus within six weeks. However, scientists agree that patients should not be X-rayed during this period, as complaints often recede spontaneously during the six-week period.

X-rays often do not show cause
For the study, the Scientific Institute of the TK had evaluated medical billing data from the years 2010 to 2012. „Back pain is often triggered by problems in the muscles. But that is not recognizable on X-ray images“, explained pain therapist Thomas Nolte of the German Society for Pain Therapy. Many insured would instead be operated on the intervertebral discs, if the pictures showed problems here. After that, those affected would often still have the same pain, as the intervertebral discs were not the actual cause of the pain.

Complaints can also be psychological
Experts also point out again and again that back pain can also have psychological causes. Again, neither radiographs for diagnosis nor intervertebral disc surgery can make any difference to the treatment. Many sufferers can help with back pain exercises and physical exercises to strengthen the muscles. When mental stress is the cause of the discomfort, it is advisable to practice relaxation exercises for stress reduction. One of the methods that is available is Progressive Muscle Relaxation. (Ad)