Common conditions that scans can help investigate
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Back pain and sciatica
Back pain is extremely common and often improves with rest, physiotherapy or simple treatment. However, imaging such as an MRI may be recommended if pain is persistent, severe, or travels down the leg (sciatica), or if it is associated with numbness, weakness or tingling. An MRI can help identify disc problems, nerve compression or other causes that may need targeted treatment.
Knee pain
Knee pain can develop gradually or occur suddenly after injury. Symptoms such as swelling, locking, giving way, or pain that limits walking or sport may indicate damage inside the joint. An MRI scan allows detailed assessment of ligaments, cartilage and menisci, helping to diagnose the cause and guide appropriate treatment or rehabilitation.
Headaches
Occasional headaches are common and usually harmless. However, imaging may be considered if headaches are severe, persistent, worsening, or associated with symptoms such as visual changes, weakness, numbness or confusion. In these cases, an MRI or CT scan can help rule out underlying neurological causes and provide reassurance or guide further care.
Shoulder pain and weakness
Shoulder pain that limits lifting the arm, causes weakness, or interferes with sleep may be related to tendon or joint problems. MRI scans are commonly used to assess rotator cuff injuries, inflammation or joint damage, particularly when symptoms persist despite physiotherapy or other treatment.
Hip pain or stiffness
Hip pain can affect walking, sitting and everyday movement. Persistent pain, stiffness, clicking or reduced range of motion may be linked to joint or soft tissue issues. MRI imaging can help identify cartilage damage, tendon problems or early joint degeneration that may not be seen on standard X-rays.
Ankle pain or injury
Ankle pain often follows a sprain or sporting injury but may also develop gradually. Persistent pain, swelling, instability or difficulty bearing weight may suggest deeper structural damage. MRI scans provide detailed images of ligaments, tendons and cartilage, helping diagnose injuries that may not be visible on X-ray.
Other conditions
Pain that does not improve with rehabilitation, rest or medication may need further investigation. Ongoing swelling, locking, instability or reduced movement in a joint such as the knee or shoulder can suggest internal damage. MRI scans are particularly useful for identifying ligament injuries, cartilage damage or tendon problems that are not visible on X-ray
Back or neck pain that radiates into the arms or legs may indicate nerve involvement. Symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, numbness or weakness can suggest disc or spinal problems. An MRI scan provides detailed images of the spine and nerves, helping clinicians understand the cause of symptoms and plan appropriate treatment.
When pain continues without a clear cause, imaging may be used to investigate further. Symptoms such as ongoing discomfort, reduced movement, swelling or pain that does not respond to treatment can sometimes be explained by soft tissue or nerve-related problems. MRI scans are particularly helpful in identifying these underlying causes.
Burning, shooting or electric-shock-like pain is often linked to nerve irritation or compression. This type of pain may be constant or triggered by movement. MRI scans can help identify nerve compression, disc degeneration or spinal narrowing, supporting accurate diagnosis and targeted pain management.
Injuries sustained during training or competition often require detailed imaging to assess severity. Sudden pain, swelling, weakness or reduced performance may indicate muscle tears, ligament injuries or stress fractures. MRI scans are commonly used to confirm the diagnosis and guide safe return-to-activity decisions.
Do I need a scan?
Not everyone with pain or symptoms will need a scan. In many cases, symptoms improve with time, rehabilitation or simple treatment. If imaging is recommended, it’s usually to help clarify the cause of your symptoms, guide the most appropriate treatment, or provide reassurance.
Your clinician will always consider your symptoms, medical history and examination findings before referring you for a scan and will explain whether an MRI or another type of imaging is the right next step for you.
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