You Are More Than the Sum of Your X-Rays
A patient came in recently, shoulders slumped, eyes tired. She’d just received her X-ray results: “degenerative disc disease,” “moderate osteoarthritis,” “loss of joint space.” The words hit hard. She said, “I knew something was wrong, but now it’s real… now it’s me.”
This is something we hear often at Osteopathy Nelson—and it’s something we want to gently challenge.
Medical imaging has revolutionized how we understand and assess the body. X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds provide us with an incredible window into our anatomy, offering valuable information that can guide diagnosis and treatment.
However, over the years, I have seen how these images, while useful, can sometimes be presented in ways that cause unnecessary concern.
The reality is that an X-ray is one piece of the puzzle. There is a wise old saying that 95% of diagnosis is in the patient's history. Your health is not always defined by a single x-ray. Let’s explore why imaging should always be interpreted carefully by a radiologist—and why you are so much more than what shows up on your x-ray.
A radiologist in New Zealand typically requires around 13 years of study and training, including a medical degree, house officer experience, and specialized training as a registrar. It is an increasable training that continues throughout their career with the advances of technology and imagining science. They will interpret the findings and write a detailed report through the lens of the medical model which is important to rule out anything sinister and ascertain if medical intervention is required.
Understanding What X-Rays and Scans Can—and Can’t—Tell Us
X-rays and MRIs are incredibly useful tools. They allow us to see structural aspects of the body—bones, joint spaces, alignment, and, in the case of MRI, soft tissues like discs and ligaments. In some cases, they are essential in identifying fractures, major pathology, or conditions that require urgent medical intervention.
But they do not tell us everything.
They do not measure pain. Pain is a highly personal and complex experience influenced by many factors—your nervous system, past injuries, emotional state, stress levels, and even how you interpret what’s happening in your body.
It does not measure your strength and determination or thousands of little victories your body achieves each year.
They do not show how well you move. Someone with significant "wear and tear" on an X-ray may be completely pain-free and move with ease, while someone else with a relatively "normal" scan may experience stiffness and daily discomfort.
They do not always predict your future. Just because an image shows changes in your spine, knees, or joints doesn’t mean you are destined for pain, dysfunction or joint replacement. The body is adaptable, resilient, and constantly adjusting to the demands of life. There is a lot you can do to avoid or delay surgery
Normal Age-Related Changes
It is also important to remember that many of the changes seen on imaging are a normal part of aging.
If you were to take X-rays of 100 people over the age of 40 who had no pain, you would likely find signs of disc degeneration, joint space narrowing, or small osteophytes (bone spurs) in a large percentage of them. These changes are not necessarily "damage" or "injury"—they are simply part of the natural aging process.
Just as we develop wrinkles on our skin, we also develop changes in our joints over time. Pre-existing injuries can create imbalances and predispose the body to wear and tear which accelerate joint degeneration. Joint space is created by the muscle tone of the opposing muscle. By improving the balance, tone, strength and coordination of your muscle you can reduce the speed at which your joints wear out and the sooner you get started the better the outcomes.
The Power of Words: How Information Is Delivered Matters
One of the most important factors in how patients respond to imaging findings is how the information is presented.
If you are told:
"Your spine is in terrible shape; you need a lot of treatment to fix it,"
you will likely leave feeling fearful, fragile, and dependent on care.
But if you are told:
"Your X-ray shows some normal changes that we often see as we age. These are not necessarily linked to pain, and there’s a lot we can do to help your body feel and move better,"
you will leave feeling empowered, informed, and reassured.
The difference? Context and perspective.
At Osteopathy Nelson, we are guided by the radiologist report and take the time to discuss what imaging findings actually mean for you as an individual.
A Balanced Approach to Imaging
To be clear, there are times when imaging is essential. If we suspect a fracture, a serious underlying condition, or if a patient’s symptoms are not improving as expected, we may recommend or refer for an X-ray or to a specialist who will refer you for an MRI, or further investigation.In many cases, especially for chronic pain, mild discomfort, or stiffness, imaging is not the first step—it’s something we consider if clinically indicated or necessary.
When medical intervention is not required the best approach is to:
🔹 Understand the whole person
🔹 Provide hands-on treatment to restore balance in the body by improving the range of movement for the whole body
🔹 Guide movement, posture, strength and lifestyle changes that support long-term health
By focusing on these factors, rather than just what an image shows, there is an opportunity to create lasting improvements that go beyond a diagnosis on a piece of paper.
Reassurance and Confidence in Your Health
If you have had an X-ray or MRI and feel worried about what it means, I encourage you to ask questions. Speak with your GP and seek out registered practitioners who take the time to explain your results with clarity and context.
Your spine is part of you, yes—but it’s not you. You are not your diagnosis. You are not your scan. You are a living, breathing, adaptive being. You’re the way you show up for your life despite discomfort. You’re the deep breath you take before trying again. You’re more than the wear and tear of years—you're the wisdom and resilience that came with them.
At Osteopathy Nelson, we believe in treating the whole person. That means seeing beyond the scan. It means supporting you to move well, feel well, and reconnect with your potential.
So if you’ve been given a report that feels heavy, let us help you carry it. And let us remind you: you are more than the sum of your parts.
At Osteopathy Nelson, we are committed to supporting your whole-body health and helping you to move, feel, and live better.
Because you are more than the sum of your X-rays.