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Introduction

Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are among the greatest challenges facing modern medicine. Doctors are increasingly diagnosing conditions that are not actually illnesses. At the same time, they are initiating treatments that do more harm than good. This article takes a critical look at typical cases such as thyroid nodules and back pain. You will also learn when it makes more sense to wait and see rather than take action. And you will see how natural alternatives can help, because nutrition, vitamins, minerals, phytotherapy, acupuncture, exercise, and relaxation often give the body a better chance.

Overdiagnosis and overtreatment: What does that mean?

The term overdiagnosis and overtreatment describes a system that often does more than is necessary. Overdiagnosis is when a disease is found that would never have been noticed without testing, even though it would not have affected health. As preventive care and technology become more accurate, doctors are discovering such findings more frequently. Many of them are harmless, but they unsettle those affected and turn them into patients.

This leads to overtreatment because doctors then prescribe treatments that do not provide any real benefit. In addition, therapies can cause harm, for example through the side effects of medication or complications during surgery. It is therefore worth taking a sober look at the situation, because the benefits and risks are not automatically in the right proportion.

Why do overdiagnosis and overtreatment occur?

Why do overdiagnosis and overtreatment happen so often? One reason is safety concerns, because many doctors would rather take a finding too seriously than overlook a dangerous progression. They are also often under pressure: patients expect quick solutions, and the media reinforce this expectation.

The system also plays a role, because examinations and procedures generate revenue. This influences decisions, even if no one likes to admit it. Many patients also believe that “more is better,” but this is often not true. This creates a vicious circle: more screening, more findings, more checkups, and ultimately more procedures. As a result, many of those affected do not become healthier, but instead suffer from more anxiety, more side effects, and more long-term diagnoses.

Frequent overdiagnosis and overtreatment – examples from practice

A look at typical cases shows what overdiagnosis and overtreatment look like in everyday life. This is particularly common in the following areas:

  • Thyroid nodules
  • Back pain
  • Cancer screenings
  • Knee problems and arthroscopy
  • Antibiotics for colds
  • Stomach acid blockers and sleeping pills without clear indication

Thyroid nodules

Many people have small nodules in their thyroid gland, and doctors often discover them by chance during an ultrasound. The good news is clear: most nodules are benign and do not cause any symptoms. Therefore, they usually do not require treatment as long as there are no warning signs.

Nevertheless, the findings often cause anxiety because many people immediately think of cancer. This is often followed by further examinations, and some people undergo surgery or radioiodine therapy even though there is no real reason to do so. A well-known example comes from South Korea, where intensive screening led to many more diagnoses, but mortality did not decrease. Nevertheless, many people underwent surgery and many had to take hormones for the rest of their lives. Some suffered complications, such as voice problems, so that a harmless finding suddenly had massive consequences.

What helps in practical terms?

  • Not every lump is dangerous, but symptoms count for more than incidental findings.
  • Check-ups can be useful if they are clearly justified.
  • Interventions should only follow if growth, discomfort, or noticeable characteristics occur.

Back pain

Almost everyone experiences back pain at some point, but it is rarely caused by anything dangerous. Nevertheless, many doctors perform extensive diagnostics because X-rays or MRIs seem to provide certainty. This is precisely where the problem lies, because the images often show changes that occur even without pain. Such incidental findings cause anxiety, and anxiety can increase pain.

In most cases, back pain can be improved without surgery if you act wisely early on. Exercise, heat, and physical therapy help many people, and acupuncture can provide additional relief for chronic pain. On the other hand, those who undergo imaging too early end up in a chain of findings, worries, and interventions, even though time and active measures would often have been sufficient.

Cancer screenings

Cancer screening can save lives, but it also leads to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Mammograms and PSA tests are particularly controversial because they detect tumors that grow very slowly. Some of these tumors would never cause any problems, but the word “cancer” immediately triggers fear.

Many then opt for aggressive therapies, and this is precisely where the damage occurs: surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy often reduce quality of life. In the case of prostate cancer, the side effects can be serious, as incontinence or impotence may occur. It is therefore worth weighing up the options, as not every early diagnosis prolongs life.

Other examples

Knee problems are also a classic example, as meniscus tears are often operated on quickly. However, physical therapy is often just as effective, and building muscle reduces the risk of new pain.

Antibiotics for colds are another typical example: many people expect a prescription, but antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. They put strain on the intestines and promote resistance. Nevertheless, doctors sometimes prescribe them out of routine or pressure, resulting in unnecessary overtreatment.

The situation is similar with stomach acid blockers or sleeping pills: some people take them for a long time, even though stress, diet, or rhythm would be the real levers. This is precisely why the core issue becomes apparent here: more is not always the best solution; often, less is the smarter medicine.

Avoiding overdiagnosis and overtreatment: when is it sensible to wait and see?

When should you wait and see? Overdiagnosis and overtreatment can be avoided when doctors and patients weigh up the options together. In many cases, “active observation” helps because you neither ignore nor exaggerate. You observe specifically and only intervene when there are clear reasons to do so.

Wait and see and monitor

Waiting helps when there are findings but no acute symptoms. It also helps because many changes remain stable. In the case of small benign thyroid nodules, monitoring is often sufficient as long as the nodule does not grow and no abnormalities occur.

Even with very small, less aggressive tumors, active waiting can be an option if the doctor and patient agree on clear rules. This requires trust, but it can avoid major surgery.

Different types of pain

A similar principle often applies to pain: acute, non-specific back pain usually improves within a few weeks if you keep moving. Heat can help, and short-term, moderate painkillers can make movement easier. Only when symptoms worsen or persist for a long time is further diagnosis worthwhile, as this increases the likelihood of a treatable cause.

Wait and see if there is no immediate danger

It makes sense to wait and see if there is no immediate danger. However, you should take warning signs seriously, as they can indicate real risks. In many gray areas, a second opinion can help, and time can also help. The body repairs many things itself, while overtreatment can disrupt this self-regulation. Those who consciously wait and see and use natural measures at the same time often act in accordance with the principle of “as much as necessary, as little as possible.”

Use natural alternatives for overdiagnosis and overtreatment

A key to avoiding overdiagnosis and overtreatment lies in natural healing methods, because they often address the root causes. They don’t just suppress symptoms, they strengthen the foundation. In addition, they are usually better tolerated when used correctly.

Nutrition

Nutrition directly influences inflammation, which is why an anti-inflammatory diet helps many chronically ill people. A Mediterranean diet is often a good start because it contains lots of vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. In addition, good fats provide stability, and omega 3 from flaxseed oil, walnuts, or algae oil is a good choice here.

Many people report fewer symptoms when they reduce their sugar intake. Ultra-processed foods can also cause problems, while fresh cooking supports the body. A better diet often reduces the need for medication because blood pressure, fat levels, and digestion respond.

Vitamins and minerals

Micronutrients affect the nerves, muscles, and immune system, so a deficiency can increase symptoms. Vitamin D plays an important role, and supplementation may be useful if a deficiency is detected. Magnesium supports nerves and muscles, while zinc strengthens the immune system. Vitamin B12 is important for nerves, and vegans and older people in particular should pay attention to this.

Important: Supplement specifically, not blindly. Ideally, you should check your levels or work with an experienced therapist to avoid overdoses and still get the benefits.

Phytotherapy (herbal remedies)

Plants offer powerful active ingredients, and many are well tolerated. Devil’s claw or willow bark can help with back and osteoarthritis, while St. John’s wort is used for mild depressive phases. Peppermint oil can relieve irritable bowel syndrome, and many people use turmeric as a supportive measure.

Pay attention to quality, as standardized preparations are more reliable. Also be aware of interactions, as St. John’s wort can affect other medications.

Acupuncture

Many people use acupuncture for chronic pain because it is often well tolerated. Many report improved mobility, and some experience less pain. It is often worth trying before resorting to strong painkillers, provided the practitioner is experienced.

Exercise

Exercise has a broad effect because it supports the metabolism, circulation, and psyche. It also helps with back problems if you start moderately. Building muscle relieves pressure on the joints, and physical therapy makes it easier to get started. Gentle forms such as yoga or tai chi combine movement with rest, giving you double the benefits.

Relaxation

Stress exacerbates many complaints, which is why relaxation is one of the most important basic measures. Meditation, breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation help many people because they calm the nervous system. People who relax sleep better, and better sleep improves regeneration. This can reduce symptoms, so that less medication is needed.

Conclusion: Take responsibility for your own health to avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment

Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are real, but you don’t have to simply accept them. You can ask critical questions and weigh up the benefits and risks. You can also take your time if it is safe to do so.

Helpful questions to ask before taking action:

  • What happens if I wait and see, and how can I tell if my condition is getting worse?
  • What are the risks of the examination or therapy, and how often do they occur?
  • What warning signs should I look out for so that I can react in time?
  • What can I improve myself in four weeks, because basic work often has an effect?
  • What is the goal of the measure, and how do we measure success?

Good medicine does not require constant action, but clear decisions. Sometimes observation helps, while exercise and lifestyle often strengthen the foundation. Modern medicine saves lives, but it needs limits. Those who use natural methods wisely reduce the pressure on diagnostics and medication and often gain a better quality of life.

Sources and studies

Published on: 25. December 2025

Daniel

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active monitoring acupuncture Anti-inflammatory diet Anti-inflammatory diet Back pain Chronic pain exercise therapy herniated disc Magnesium Mammography Criticism Naturopathy Omega-3 fatty acids over-treatment overdiagnosis physical therapy Phytotherapy Prostate cancer early detection Self-healing powers St. John's wort Stress-related pain thyroid nodule Turmeric Vitamin D deficiency Wait and see instead of treating