Researchers recently tested a new, much faster type of 3D MRI scan to see if it could accurately measure lower back pain in pigs with injured spinal discs. By comparing this new 30-minute whole-spine scan to an older, slower method, they found both produced very similar results, proving the new technique is highly reliable. The advanced scan works by detecting specific chemical changes inside the spinal discs, allowing researchers to easily tell the difference between healthy and injured tissue. Using these chemical markers, the team trained an artificial intelligence program that was able to predict the pigs’ actual pain levels with 80% accuracy—performing significantly better than traditional MRI assessments. Ultimately, this study shows that this quick, advanced scanning method could one day be used to objectively measure exactly how much back pain a patient is experiencing based on the chemical health of their spine.