MRI scan highlighting new bone formations in the intervertebral disc

Decoding Back Pain: Is a Hidden Clue Lurking in Your MRI?

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Beyond the Usual Suspects: Exploring New MRI Findings in Spondyloarthritis"

Chronic back pain is a widespread issue, affecting millions and significantly impacting their quality of life. While many cases are attributed to common causes like muscle strain or disc problems, a subset stems from inflammatory conditions such as spondyloarthritis (SpA). Early diagnosis of SpA is crucial to manage the disease effectively and prevent long-term complications, yet it often presents a diagnostic challenge.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an indispensable tool in diagnosing various conditions, offering detailed insights into the body's internal structures. In the context of SpA, MRI helps visualize inflammation and structural changes in the sacroiliac joints and spine. However, traditional MRI assessments might overlook subtle yet significant signs that could indicate the presence of SpA, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses.

Emerging research suggests that specific MRI findings, particularly within the intervertebral spaces of the spine, could hold valuable clues for detecting SpA. These findings, which include unique signal intensities and structural changes, have the potential to enhance the accuracy of MRI in diagnosing SpA, offering new hope for individuals suffering from chronic back pain. The purpose of this article is to explore the cutting-edge approach and give you a better understanding of these underutilized markers and what they may mean for your health journey.

New Bone Formations: Spotting the Hidden Markers of Spondyloarthritis

MRI scan highlighting new bone formations in the intervertebral disc

A groundbreaking study has shed light on the significance of specific MRI findings in diagnosing spondyloarthritis (SpA), emphasizing the potential of new bone formations as key indicators. The study meticulously analyzed MRI scans of individuals with and without axial SpA, focusing on the intervertebral joints of the spine. The results revealed that certain signal intensities and structural changes, often overlooked in standard assessments, could serve as valuable diagnostic markers.

The research highlighted three primary findings related to new bone formation that could be indicative of SpA:

Intradiscal High Signal Intensity: The presence of high signal intensity within the intervertebral disc, as seen on T1-weighted MRI images, was strongly associated with SpA.
Vertebral Corner Bridging: The formation of bony bridges at the corners of the vertebrae was identified as a specific sign of SpA.
Transdiscal Ankylosis: The fusion of vertebrae across the disc space was also found to be a significant marker.

These findings are particularly valuable because they can help distinguish SpA from other causes of back pain. However, the study also noted the limitations of relying solely on syndesmophytes, another type of bony growth, as they were not consistently reliable indicators of SpA. Understanding these nuances can empower individuals to have more informed discussions with their healthcare providers about their back pain and potential diagnostic avenues.

Taking Control of Your Back Pain Journey

If you are experiencing chronic back pain, discussing these findings with your doctor can be a proactive step in your healthcare journey. While these MRI markers are highly specific, they may not be evident in every case of SpA. A comprehensive evaluation, including physical exams, medical history, and other diagnostic tests, is essential for an accurate diagnosis. By staying informed and engaged, you can work collaboratively with your healthcare team to explore all available options and find the most effective path toward relief and improved well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2018.11.007, Alternate LINK

Title: New Bone Formation In The Intervertebral Joint Space In Spondyloarthritis: An Mri Study

Subject: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Journal: European Journal of Radiology

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Frederiek Laloo, Nele Herregods, Jacob L. Jaremko, Philippe Carron, Dirk Elewaut, Filip Van Den Bosch, Koenraad Verstraete, Lennart Jans

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why is early diagnosis of spondyloarthritis important when dealing with chronic back pain?

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is an inflammatory condition that can cause chronic back pain. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to managing SpA and preventing long-term complications. While common back pain is often due to muscle strain or disc problems, SpA involves inflammation, particularly affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. Traditional diagnostic methods, including standard MRI assessments, may sometimes miss subtle signs of SpA, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing these hidden markers, such as those found in the intervertebral spaces, can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy.

What specific MRI findings related to new bone formations can indicate spondyloarthritis?

The study identified three key MRI findings related to new bone formation indicative of spondyloarthritis (SpA): Intradiscal High Signal Intensity (high signal intensity within the intervertebral disc on T1-weighted MRI images), Vertebral Corner Bridging (formation of bony bridges at the corners of the vertebrae), and Transdiscal Ankylosis (fusion of vertebrae across the disc space). These findings help distinguish SpA from other causes of back pain. However, the study noted that relying solely on syndesmophytes, another type of bony growth, might not be consistently reliable for diagnosing SpA.

What does 'Intradiscal High Signal Intensity' mean in the context of MRI results, and why is it important for diagnosing spondyloarthritis?

Intradiscal High Signal Intensity refers to the presence of high signal intensity within the intervertebral disc, as observed on T1-weighted MRI images. This finding suggests inflammatory changes within the disc itself, potentially indicating spondyloarthritis (SpA). It's important because it highlights an area often overlooked in standard MRI assessments, providing an additional clue for diagnosing SpA in individuals with chronic back pain. Its presence can suggest active inflammation that is contributing to the back pain and may warrant further investigation for SpA.

Can you explain 'Vertebral Corner Bridging' as a sign of spondyloarthritis found on an MRI, and what does it signify?

Vertebral Corner Bridging refers to the formation of bony bridges at the corners of the vertebrae. This finding, observed on MRI, is a specific sign suggestive of spondyloarthritis (SpA). The development of these bridges indicates structural changes and bone remodeling processes occurring in response to chronic inflammation. The presence of Vertebral Corner Bridging can help differentiate SpA from other mechanical causes of back pain and supports a diagnosis focused on inflammatory-related spinal conditions.

What is 'Transdiscal Ankylosis,' and how does it serve as a marker for spondyloarthritis in MRI analysis?

Transdiscal Ankylosis is the fusion of vertebrae across the disc space. It signifies advanced structural changes in the spine and is a significant marker for spondyloarthritis (SpA). Ankylosis indicates that the inflammation has led to the complete fusion of adjacent vertebrae, limiting spinal mobility and causing chronic pain. This finding is particularly valuable as it represents a later-stage manifestation of SpA, confirming the progressive nature of the disease and aiding in the differentiation from other back pain conditions where such fusion is not typically observed.