A magnetic resonance imaging of the spine is a painless test where you will lie inside a large, tube-like machine while the machine takes pictures of your spinal column and the soft tissue around it.
Before The Scan
Preparation: You will probably be asked to remove all metal items, including jewelry, watches, piercings and any clothing with metal details, because of the strength of the magnets used in the MRI.
Safety Measures: If you have certain medical implants such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, metal fragments, please tell the technician since some implants may not be safe for MRI.
Contrast Material: In some instances, a contrast dye may be injected to clarify images, usually to see if there are tumors, infections, or inflammation. This will be done with an IV, and is usually painless though very rare allergic reactions do happen.
During The Scan
Noise & Movement: The MRI emits loud tapping or thumping sounds during the scanning process, as the magnetic fields are changing.
Communication: The technologist will be in a different room; however, he or she can see, hear and talk to you during the entire scanning process. You will receive a “call button”
Duration: The exam typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on how many areas are being examined and also if contrast is used.
Sensation: The table may feel hard or cold which you may need extra pillows or blankets to feel comfortable on.
Post-Scan
Concluding: You will be able to get your clothes back on and go back to your regular activities immediately, except if you received an anxiety sedative (very rare).
Dye Side Effects: If you received contrast dye, you will be monitored for a brief time for a reaction most people have no reaction to.
Results: The images will be interpreted by a radiologist and a report is sent to your referring doctor.
Conclusion
Most patients report that the MRI procedure is tolerable and that the temporary discomfort associated with the procedure is outweighed by the valuable information that they obtain from the MRI.In the end, the spinal MRI will give you and your doctor helpful information in trying to accomplish an accurate diagnosis and treatment for a variety of spinal conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does a spine MRI take?
The duration of a spine MRI takes anywhere from 30-60 minutes for most MRIs and will vary based on which area is being scanned (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) and whether or not a contrast dye is used to help enhance what she sees in the images.
Q. Is a spinal MRI painful?
Although there is no pain in the actual imaging, some people may feel discomfort from lying flat in one position for a prolonged period of time.
Q. What not to do before spine MRI?
Remember when you are getting a spine MRI, to completely undress of metal items, and to also have no metal items on your person.
Q. What happens if MRI results are bad?
If your MRI shows abnormalities, your next steps would be determined by both the degree of the abnormality and the type of abnormality.
Q. How to know if MRI is abnormal?
An abnormal MRI result is characterized by changes in intensity or structure of the signal compared to what is considered normal for a given area, often compared to previous scans or baseline information.
