A thoracic MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the spine is usually ordered when a patient experiences persistent or unexplainable pain in the mid-back, particularly if accompanied by neurological symptoms, as well as when other imaging modalities – such as x-rays or CT – have not provided the desired diagnostic clarity.
When Might You Need a Spinal MRI
You will surely have Spinal MRI scans performed if you experience difficulty breathing or coughing after suffering a spinal injury — this is not a good sign, and it is an emergency situation.
The Spinal MRI also allows your doctor to look at the small bones called vertebrae that form your spinal column, the spinal disks, spinal canal, and spinal cord. The test is intended to look for:
- Broken bones in your spine
- Injuries
- Infection
- Swelling
- Problems with your spinal cord
- Bulging or slipped spinal disks
- Tumors
- Strange parts or curves in your spine
- Compression (or pressure) of your spinal cord or your nerves
Your doctor may also consider a spine MRI to help plan spinal surgeries, such as those for pinched nerves, or for procedures involving epidural or steroid injections.
Ongoing Severe Thoracic Pain
Unexplained ongoing pain: If a patient has ongoing severe upper or mid back pain which does not improve with rest, physical therapy or medications, then MRI is warranted, especially if it has been happening for longer than 4-6 weeks.
Pain with neurological features: If pain is associated with feelings of numbness, tingling or weakness in the chest, abdomen or lower body, then MRI can assess if there is nerve involvement or compression or spinal cord involvement
Neurological Issues
Myelopathy: Problems with ambulation, loss of balance, or bowel/bladder dysfunction can be signs of spinal cord compression or some other abnormality, and warrant MRI investigation.
Radiculopathy: Notice that this is a description of radiating pain, numbness, or weakness along the course of the intercostal nerves, which tells us that the thoracic nerve root is involved.
Structural Abnormalities
Scoliosis or kyphosis: MRI allows the assessment of the curvature of the spine, while also evaluating for any potential complications, such as compression of spinal cord or disc herniations.
Degenerative disc disease: When degenerative changes are suspected to be part of the diagnosis, MRI will provide the surgeon with excellent images of the discs, vertebrae, and soft tissues.
Duration of the Test and Understanding Results:
The MRI images are reviewed and analyzed by the radiologist who will interpret the images and provide a report to the physician who ordered the MRI. The physician will discuss the results with the individual and subsequently start thinking about treatment approaches.
Typical Symptoms for Ordering the Test:
The arms, legs, or trunk; or if a spinal cord injury or spinal tumor are suspected. An MRI can be used to evaluate an indefinite number of conditions related to the thoracic spine, including a herniated disc, spinal cord compression, spinal stenosis, tumors, infections, and so on.
conclusion
MRI of the thoracic spine is a very good method of diagnosing many different types of spinal abnormalities that may impact overall health and wellbeing. there is little to no preparation to undergo the test other than removing any metal objects. A radiologist will interpret the test results, and then the ordering physician will review the results, followed by a discussion regarding appropriate follow up and treatment recommendations. Health care examinations could and should include spinal exams, and MRI of the thoracic spine could potentially be included with corporate health examination programs to help screen and manage skeletal problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why would a doctor order a thoracic MRI?
A doctor may order a thoracic MRI for many reasons, including pain, numbness, weakness, or possible compression of the spinal cord in the mid-back portion of the spine. It is a good modality for examining mid-back issues because an MRI demonstrated an ideal method of viewing soft tissue, such as the spinal cord, discs and nerves
Q. What will the MRI of the thorax show?
Thoracic MRI has excellent soft tissue detail that can identify lesions in organs, vessels, and muscle.
Q. How do I know if I need an MRI on my back?
If you are suffering from chronic or serious back pain, and especially if you are suffering from other symptoms such as nerve compression pain that shoots down your legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control, then you may need an MRI of your back.
Q. What organs does a thoracic MRI show?
An MRI often captures some information regarding the nearby organs, even if there is an abnormality of the spinal cord, discs or surrounding soft tissues.An MRI of the chest looks
Q. How to book an MRI scan of the brain?
You can reserve an MRI scan of your brain in Rohini through the carebox website by searching for your MRI scan or other scans or call us at the given number on the website to book.
