How often should i have mris for bulging discs? i have two bulging discs in my back and i was wondering how often i should have an mri done. whenever the pain gets worse, i think that something may have changed and want to get another mri. am i just bei

There : There are many different causes of back pain. Many times back pain is simply caused by muscle spasm or muscle strain. Generally, MRI is performed to exclude other more serious causes of back pain such as tumor, fractures, or intervertebral disk herniation. Osteoporotic compression fractures may cause great pain, but they can initially be screened for using plain x-ray films. Your prior MRI found two disk bulges; surgery for a bulging disk is usually not indicated unless there are neurological symptoms suggesting the disk is herniated and impinging upon a nerve. If a disk is pressing on the nerve, this generally produces pain or numbness which radiates down one leg in a bandlike pattern or produces weakness in a particular muscle or muscle group. If you are having symptoms like these, then a repeat MRI may be in order and you should discuss it with your primary care provider. Otherwise a repeat MRI will usually be of little benefit.

MRI: Is safe and does not use radiation, so in theory you could do as many as you want. This is not practical, though, as the test can be expensive and unlikely to change much with slight worsening of pain and bulging discs. If, on the other hand, you develop new symptoms, especially pain radiating into one or both of your legs, it may be time to reassess whether you have more than a bulging disc.