An MRI gives a detailed view of discs, ligaments, and nerve roots. It is a useful part of an evaluation, but your clinician also needs to understand where you hurt, how the symptoms began, and which movements or activities bring them on.
The examination adds information that a scan cannot provide, including strength, sensation, reflexes, and how movement affects pain. Your clinician brings these findings together to decide which changes may be relevant and whether further testing would help.
Bring your imaging report and access to the actual images. Describe the activities you want to improve, rather than focusing only on the wording of the report.