Learn about MRI scans for back pain (Spinal MRI)

Do you often have back pain, neck pain, or numbness in your limbs? When you go to see a doctor with these symptoms, he may order you to have an MRI scan of your spine. So some people get a little scared when they hear this name. But it's actually nothing to be afraid of. Today, let's talk about what this MRI scan of the spine is, why it's done, and how to prepare for it.

Simply put, what is a spine MRI?

A spine MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a procedure that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce very clear, detailed images of your spine.

One of the biggest advantages of this is that it does not use harmful radiation like X-rays or CT scans. Therefore, it is generally a very safe and painless test. However, if you have any metal implants in your body, you may not be able to have this test. Your doctor will explain this to you in advance.

Why do we need a spine MRI?

Imagine, if you have a spinal injury and then have difficulty breathing or coughing, that's an emergency . In such a case, you need to get an MRI immediately.

Apart from that, this scan helps doctors to examine things like the small bones that make up your spine (we call these vertebrae), the cartilage discs between the vertebrae, the spinal canal, and the spinal cord very clearly.

The table below will help you understand the main things that are looked for in an MRI.

What symptoms may require an MRI?

If you have any of these symptoms, your doctor may order an MRI:

• Lower back pain (lumbar pain)
• Neck pain (cervical pain)
• Thoracic pain - this is a little less common
• Pain radiating to the arms and chest
• Pain that travels down the legs
• Inability to bend or straighten properly due to stiffness in the lower back
• Inability to maintain an upright posture due to pain or stiffness
• Pain that lasts more than two weeks
• Numbness or loss of feeling in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes
• Weakness or loss of function in a part of the body
• Difficulty walking and maintaining balance

Are there any risks with an MRI scan?

An MRI scan is generally considered safer than a CT scan or X-ray. However, it is not without some risks. Because the MRI machine uses a very strong magnet, the following problems can occur:

• Medical devices inside your body are being pulled or moved.
• Those devices get hot and cause burns.
• Malfunctioning of electrical appliances.

Therefore, if you have any metal devices implanted in your body, you must definitely tell the doctor and the technologist performing the MRI about it before the scan.

Other risks

• Claustrophobia: Some people feel scared and claustrophobic when they are inside the narrow tube that goes into the machine. We call this ``Claustrophobia``. If you have this fear, tell your doctor in advance. Then they can give you a medicine to calm you down.
• Allergy to Contrast Dye: Sometimes a special liquid (contrast dye) is injected into a vein in your arm to make the images clearer. Most often, a type called `(Gadolinium)` is used. Some people can be allergic to this. So tell them if you have had any allergies to anything in the past.
• Pregnancy: There is no evidence that an MRI will harm the baby. However, as a precaution, doctors avoid MRI scans during the first trimester of pregnancy as much as possible.
• Noise: The machine makes a loud, rattling noise when it is working. This can cause hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Earplugs are provided for this.

How do you prepare for an MRI scan?

Generally, you can eat, drink, and take your medications as usual before going into the scan. However, if your doctor gives you other instructions, follow them.

Before the scan, you will need to remove all metal objects you are wearing. This includes glasses, earrings, necklaces, rings, watches, dentures, and jewelry in piercings.

Be sure to tell your doctor about the following:

• If you have serious health problems such as kidney or liver disease.
• If you have recently undergone surgery.
• If you have any allergies or asthma.
• If you are pregnant, or suspect you are.
• If you have tattoos on your body (some types of ink contain iron and can cause heat).
• As mentioned above, if you have a fear of narrow spaces (Claustrophobia).

What happens during the scan?

The MRI machine is a long tube with two openings. You lie down on a bed-like part and are then guided into the machine. The technician outside the room can see you and talk to you.

• Stay still: It is important to remain still during the scan. If you move, the images will not be clear.
• Noise: The machine makes a loud, throbbing noise. This is normal. Don't be alarmed by the noise. You will be given earplugs or headphones to reduce it. Sometimes you will be given the opportunity to listen to a song.
• No pain: You will not feel any pain. However, you may feel a slight warmth in the area of ​​your spine being scanned.
• Time: Depending on how much of the spine is being scanned, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more.

You can go about your normal activities after the scan. However, if you took medication to calm you down, you will need to wait until the effects of the medication wear off.

How do I get the test report?

A specially trained radiologist will review your MRI images and create a report. Once your treating doctor receives the report, he or she will explain it to you in simple terms and give you instructions on what to do next. It can take about a week to receive the report.

Spinal MRI, back pain, neck pain, MRI scan, nerve compression, spinal cord, Spinal MRI, back pain, neck pain, MRI scan in Sri Lanka, slipped disk