When and Why Should You Get a Spine MRI
A healthy spine is the foundation of a functioning body. It supports your frame while allowing you to bend, flex, and move more freely. However, most people neglect the importance of spine health until they have a back condition. They may not even be aware of how a spine MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan can help.
What Is an MRI of the Spine, and How Long Will It Take?
Unlike X-rays, which emit hazardous ionizing radiation, magnetic resonance imaging uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create comprehensive images of your spine and surrounding tissues.
An MRI test is beneficial in assessing medical issues affecting the soft tissue components of the back, particularly the location of the vertebrae that comprise your spinal column. It may detect abnormalities that indicate infection, nerve and disc disorders, arthritis, blood vessel issues, or spinal malignancies.
The whole body scan takes one hour or less to complete. If you need to check your spine, you may try Googleing “spine MRI scan near me”.
What Can a Cervical Spine MRI Show?
A cervical spine MRI examines the neck from the base of the skull to the beginning of the thoracic or mid-back area. It comprises the thyroid gland, throat, larynx, neck muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues.
Spine MRI will reveal any anomalies in your spine, including tumors, nerve, muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries, disc degeneration, cysts, nerve injuries, joint inflammation, abscesses or other indicators of infection, and a variety of other issues.
What Can a Thoracic Spine MRI Tell You?
The thoracic segment consists of 12 vertebrae that are larger than the cervical vertebrae and are located in your upper or middle back. These structures consist of muscles, thoracic ligaments, tendons, and intervertebral discs. The thoracic spine also contains 12 sets of ribs and the components that form the thoracic cavity. The joints are held together by cartilage, a type of soft tissue.
What Can You Learn From a Lumbar Spine MRI?
The lumbar spine is your lower back, however, a lumbar spine MRI typically covers the sacrum and coccygeal regions as well. Your lumbar spine has five vertebrae, which are larger than those in the thoracic area. The thorax links to the pelvis and sacrum. It has huge muscles that let you bend, lift, and carry hefty items. It also has a complicated network of neurons and blood arteries.
What Can You Expect When Getting an MRI for the First Time?
A spine MRI requires minimal preparation. Most of the time, you can eat, drink, and take your regular medications before the scan. However, because the MRI scanner creates images using a strong magnetic field, you must remove all metal objects and accessories, such as jewelry and spectacles, before scanning.
Additionally, let your doctor know if you have any:
- Metal implants (pumps, clips, staples, stents, pacemakers, and defibrillators)
- Dental implants
- Embedded metal (shrapnel-like bullets or BBs, metal foreign bodies from welding or machining).
- Tattoos or permanent makeup
After you've completed any more paperwork and changed into the pajamas, an MRI technologist will bring you to the MRI area and assist you in getting comfortable on the padded scan table.
The MRI machine is fashioned like a huge donut, having an open tunnel at both ends. Throughout the scan, the table will slide inside the MRI scanner.
It is typical to feel a little apprehensive when under the scanner. If you require assistance, you can communicate with your technician over an intercom. If you experience claustrophobia, tell your technician ahead of time.
Lying as still as possible is essential for producing high-quality MRI images. It's beneficial to empty your bladder before your appointment. The scan should not take more than one hour.
The test is harmless, but it is noisy. You can wear hearing protection such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. You can listen to your favorite Spotify playlist or YouTube channel while scanning at some facilities.
Following your scan, a radiologist will review your images and create a report.
Most people get a spine MRI when they have a persistent condition, such as lower back discomfort, sciatica, or disc degeneration. However, you do not have to wait until you have low back discomfort, numbness, difficulty moving, or have sustained an accident to undergo a spine MRI. Early identification can help identify problems before they cause symptoms and make them easier to treat.
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