Podcast Recommendation: MRI Says You’re Fine, But You Still Hurt

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As a long-distance runner, I have A LOT of time to listen to podcasts and audiobooks. So I don’t shy away from the long-form shows that many of today’s top health influencers have adopted (you know who I’m talking about!). I’ll admit that once a show goes much over an hour, my brain starts to wander. But this one kept me engaged for all 55 minutes. I mentally bookmarked section after section because it did such an excellent job of explaining common spinal conditions that my clients and I have dealt with over the years.

For background, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is one of the most recognized personal training certification organizations in the industry. But I may be a little biased since I’m a NASM-certified personal trainer! I really enjoy their weekly podcast, but I rarely recommend episodes to my clients or the general public because they’re typically designed for personal trainers. This one, however, is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced back pain or an injury, or who has had medical imaging (like an MRI or X-ray) that didn’t seem to match their symptoms.

For example, I’ve had two MRIs in the past 10 years. Based on what the images show, doctors often expect me to have pain on my left side. But it’s my right side that gets fussy sometimes! So while imaging is an important diagnostic tool, it doesn’t always tell the full story of what’s happening in your body. That’s where a great physical therapist and functional training can help. 

The host, Dr. Rick Richey, is a personal trainer with a PhD, and his guest, physical therapist Pete Schultz, DPT, has worked with him for many years. Hearing them draw on their shared experiences is invaluable. It also mirrors how I work with my own physical therapist and the collaborative relationships I’ve built with many of my clients’ physical therapists over the years.

So, if you’ve ever had an MRI, think you might need one in the future, experienced back or SI joint pain or injury, or received a puzzling result from a medical test, this episode of the NASM-CPT Podcast with Dr. Rick Richey and Pete Schultz, DPT, is worth every minute.

I’ve included links to the episode on YouTube and Spotify below, along with the episode notes.

Listen here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9v0Wwokr-w

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3e2762If9Gay6Q3dafWF0l?si=05793288f7f94d1f

🔥 In This Episode:

  • The different types of low back pain explained: disc herniation, muscle strains, spinal stenosis, facet joint issues, SI joint hypermobility and nociplastic (neuroplastic) pain

  • Signs, symptoms and real-life examples that help demystify each condition

  • How imaging like MRIs and X-rays can miss the full picture — and what else matters

  • The often-overlooked role of the nervous system, stress and the biopsychosocial model in chronic pain

  • Why personal trainers should avoid panicking — and what to do when a client says, “My back hurts!”

  • Actionable strategies for safe exercise, movement screening, recognizing red flags and knowing when to refer a client to another professional

🎯 Perfect for:

  • Personal trainers and fitness coaches

  • Physical therapists and other healthcare professionals

  • Anyone dealing with chronic or recurring low back pain

  • Students and enthusiasts interested in sports science and injury prevention