A large percentage of physicians believe they could easily stop using imaging, though a majority think patients think they should use this procedure. Part of this is due to reports of sports figures getting MRIs. What they do not read is that these players often go through many other treatments before getting that MRI. Since imaging has radiation risks, lower back pain should first be treated with specific exercises and movement before getting an MRI.

Doctors still order imaging for low back pain, against recommendations – Reuters