Why MRI classification systems improve spinal stenosis care

Summary: Doctors have a saying: "Treat the patient, not the X-ray." Sometimes, a person's MRI looks terrible, but they feel completely fine. Another person's MRI might look okay, but they are in terrible pain! In the past, MRI reports used fuzzy words like "mild" or "severe" to describe back problems like spinal stenosis. Now, doctors use strict grading systems to describe exactly what is happening to the nerves and spine. This helps doctors and surgeons make better choices about treatments, like shots or surgery. Since grading MRIs takes a lot of time, artificial intelligence (AI) might soon help doctors read them faster and better.

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