Back Pain and AI: A Smarter Way to Diagnose

The Problem

Back pain is a significant issue affecting many lives and costing a lot to treat. Doctors often rely on MRI scans to diagnose slipped discs, but these machines aren't always accessible or affordable.

The Solution?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) might be the answer. Currently, AI tools primarily use scan images for diagnosis. But what if AI could use simple clinical signs instead? A recent study explored this possibility.

The Study

The study focused on individuals with lower back slipped discs and consulted experts like physiotherapists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons. They identified key signs that could help diagnose slipped discs without an MRI, including:

• Age
• Weight
• Type of pain
• Occupation

The Potential

Experts agreed on the importance of these signs, suggesting that AI could leverage them for diagnosis. This approach could make diagnosis easier, cheaper, and faster, benefiting more people.

The Catch

The study was small and focused on one group. More research is needed to validate these signs for a broader population. However, it's a promising start. AI might just be the future of diagnosing back pain.