In today’s digital age, we have access to a world of information at our fingertips. With just a few keystrokes, we can find answers to almost any question—including medical ones. But while the internet can be a great resource, it also has its pitfalls, especially when it comes to self-diagnosing medical or musculoskeletal (MSK) problems. This phenomenon, often referred to as “Doctor Google,” has led many individuals down a path of unnecessary worry, misdiagnosis, and even delayed proper medical care. From my firsthand experience, I would like to share why I feel turning to the internet for a diagnosis can be risky and what you should do instead.
- The Internet Lacks Context. One of the biggest issues with using Google to diagnose a medical / MSK problem is that search engines and health websites cannot take into account the full picture of your health. They can’t see your face, ask all the important questions required, physically exam an area or test a particular structure. Medical conditions often present with overlapping symptoms, and a simple search can easily lead someone to believe they have a serious illness when, in reality, it could be something minor. For example, a simple headache could be caused by dehydration, stress, or poor posture causing muscle and joint stiffness. However, an online search might return results linking headaches to brain tumours or aneurysms, leading to unnecessary panic.
- Misinformation is Widespread. Not all medical information online is reliable. While there are reputable sources such as the NHS, WHO. Versus Arthritis, Mayo Clinic, (and of course our website!), there are also countless blogs, forums, YouTube channels and social media posts that contain inaccurate or misleading information. Many websites are not written by medical professionals and may spread myths, pseudoscience, or exaggerated claims.
- Self-Diagnosis Can Lead to Unnecessary Anxiety. Hypochondria, or health anxiety, is a real concern for many people, and searching symptoms online can often make it worse. When an individual believes they have a severe illness based on an internet search, it can lead to extreme stress, unnecessary doctor visits, and even unnecessary treatments or lifestyle changes. Pain is not purely physical (nociceptive) and for many years we have recognised the biopsychosocial model when assessing someone’s pain. Psychological and social factors can play a significant role in a patient’s pain experience, therefore unhelpful or misguided beliefs can be harmful.
- Delayed or Inappropriate Treatment. Self-diagnosing a musculoskeletal (MSK) issue can lead to incorrect self-treatment, which may delay proper intervention. For example, someone could diagnose themselves with Tennis elbow and find lots of exercises to do online. Whilst exercise is an important treatment for tennis elbow, it needs to be the correct ones at the right time. Incorrect exercises can make tennis elbow worse (and we see this ALL the time). The same person with tennis elbow may read online that a steroid injection is a ‘quick fix’ for tennis elbow. In the past, lots of steroid injections were given for this, however, in recent years we now know from many research trials, that these injections are quite harmful in the longer term and best avoided. Another common example we see is when someone self-diagnoses sciatica and goes onto YouTube to find the ‘best’ exercises for sciatica. There are many different causes of sciatica and for exercises to be effective, they need to be tailored to the source of the problem –which only comes when a suitably qualified health professional assesses you. Doing incorrect exercises can make the problem worse. You might want to read our ”I thought it would just get better ……I wish I had seen you sooner” blog by clicking here.
- Overuse of Medications and Unnecessary Tests. Another consequence of self-diagnosis is the misuse of medications or unnecessary medical tests. Someone might undergo expensive imaging tests for a condition they don’t actually have, adding to unnecessary healthcare costs. It surprises me at times when we see a new patient and hear that they have undergone x-rays, ultrasound or MRI scans before they have even seen a Physiotherapist. A patient may read that taking anti-inflammatories can help with their ‘self-diagnosed’ problem. Whilst these medications can have a short-term role, long term use will cause several complications.
How to Search for Medical / MSK Information Safely.
While it’s understandable to want to research symptoms, it’s crucial to do so responsibly. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re getting accurate and helpful information:
- Stick to Trusted Sources: Use websites from established health organizations such as the NHS, WHO, Versus Arthritis etc
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Online research should never replace professional medical advice. If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, seek assessment from a qualified doctor or physiotherapist first. Here at Thorpes Physiotherapy, we are huge advocates of education and information, and once we have correctly diagnosed a problem, we sign post and encourage our patients to read up around the condition.
- Be Cautious of Worst-Case Scenarios: The internet often highlights severe conditions because they attract more attention. Don’t jump to conclusions based on the scariest possibilities. Do however, be proactive with your health and you are concerned, get things checked out.
- Avoid Online Forums for Diagnosis: While patient experiences can be valuable, they are highly individual and not a substitute for medical expertise.
Conclusion
While the internet is a useful tool for learning about health and wellness, self-diagnosis through “Doctor Google” is fraught with risks. Misinterpretation of symptoms can lead to unnecessary anxiety, delayed treatment, and even harmful medical decisions. If you have health concerns, your best course of action is to consult a qualified medical professional or Physiotherapist who can provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Remember, Google is a search engine, not a doctor!
If you currently have concerns about an MSK painful problem and would like to get an expert opinion, we would love to help here at Thorpes Physiotherapy.
You can book an appointment online through clicking the button below or alternatively give the clinic a call.
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I hope this has been interesting and of value to you.
Warm Regards
Jonathan Smith (MSc BSc FSOMM MCSP SRP)
Director of Thorpes Physiotherapy