At Holland Landing Health Centre, we believe that many cases of back pain don’t require immediate X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. As a trusted East Gwillimbury and Newmarket wellness center, our focus is on thoughtful, conservative care that puts your long-term health first. Before having often unnecessary imaging, many patients benefit from guided chiropractic, physiotherapy, exercise, and lifestyle-based treatments.
The Problem with Automatic Imaging
It may feel tempting, especially when pain is intense, to ask for an MRI or X-ray to “see what’s wrong.” But evidence and clinical guidelines suggest this isn’t usually helpful. For most cases of low-back pain without “red flags” (such as serious trauma, underlying disease, or severe neurological symptoms), routine imaging does not improve outcomes such as pain relief, faster recovery, or better function. In fact, unnecessary imaging can lead to unintended harms: radiation exposure (for X-rays or CT), incidental findings (like bulging discs or degeneration) that may worry patients, and even cascade into unneeded further tests, interventions, or surgery - even when those “abnormalities” are found in people with no pain at all. Moreover, many imaging guidelines recommend not imaging for low back pain unless there are red-flag signs or specific clinical indications.
What This Means for Our Approach at Holland Landing
At our East Gwillimbury and Newmarket wellness center, we use imaging selectively and thoughtfully. Most of the time, we start with what evidence calls “conservative management”: chiropractic adjustments or mobilizations, posture education, targeted exercise, and functional rehabilitation. This approach helps many recover without ever needing imaging - avoiding radiation exposure and unnecessary worry. If after a period of conservative care symptoms persist, worsen, or if there are red-flag signs (e.g. severe or progressive neurological symptoms, trauma, suspicion of structural disease), then imaging or referral for advanced diagnostics may be appropriate.
The Benefits of Active, Conservative Care
Treating back pain conservatively has many advantages: It supports natural healing: many episodes of back pain resolve on their own within weeks or months. It helps you build strength, improve mobility, restore posture, and reduce the risk of recurrence, instead of simply focusing on “fixing an image.” It emphasizes meaningful outcomes: less pain, better function, and a return to daily living, instead of worrying over incidental findings that may not even relate to your pain.
Why Choose Holland Landing Health Centre
If you’re looking for a caring, evidence-informed, patient-first clinic - one that values wise use of resources and prioritizes your long-term wellness - you’ve come to the right place. As a committed East Gwillimbury and Newmarket wellness center, we aim to guide you through safe, effective, and individualized care. We believe in starting conservatively, treating the person (not just the imaging) and choosing imaging only when truly necessary. If you have back pain and want to explore non-invasive, expert-supported care, we’d love to help you.
References
“Don’t routinely offer imaging for uncomplicated low back pain.” BMJ/PMC. 2021. PMC
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).“Imaging for Low Back Pain — Choosing Wisely® Recommendation.” Accessed 2025. AAFP+1
BC Guidelines & Protocols Advisory Committee.“Appropriate Imaging for Acute Low Back Pain in Adults.” 2025 update. Government of British Columbia
Canadian Spine Society. “Spine: Eight Tests and Treatments to Question.” Choosing Wisely Canada, 2021.Choosing Wisely Canada
American Society of Anesthesiologists — Pain Medicine. Statement on avoiding imaging for acute low back pain without specific indications. AAFP+1
