MRI – Spine

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is a non-invasive tool that utilizes radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to generate clear and detailed images of any part of the body. Through an MRI scan of the spine, your doctor can view internal body structures, bones, soft tissues around your spinal anatomy and identify any irregularities. Compared to CT (computerized tomography) scans and even X-rays that use damaging radiation, MRI scans are safer. The procedure involved is generally painless, and patients face relatively reduced risks. If you need an MRI scan, we invite you to contact Los Angeles Diagnostics. We have a team of qualified experts who can help generate detailed images that highlight inconsistencies of any area, including the lumbar region, lower spine, and surrounding tissues.

Your doctor may order an MRI scan of the spine if you suffer from neck pains, lower back pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling of the arms and legs, among other concerns. We believe that proper scans must highlight all areas, including the nerves, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, cartilage, and the musculoskeletal alignment of your backbone. This ensures that issues of concern are easy to identify to facilitate correct and effective treatment.

MRI Of the Spine Defined

MRI scans are safe, effective, and non-invasive tests helpful in diagnosing a range of medical conditions. The scans don’t use radiation, yet they produce astoundingly detailed images of internal body structures. The sensitive imaging technology used makes the test the most ideal for diagnosing complex issues such as back pain and other spinal problems.

Thanks to the detailed images, doctors can easily detect diseases, abnormalities, and other medical concerns. After a scan, a technician can share the images with your doctor by uploading them to a digital server. You may also request copies of the results to be sent electronically or copied to a CD.

Common Reasons You May Need an MRI Scan

As aforementioned, a doctor can request an MRI scan for a variety of reasons. Often, this imaging technology is helpful during emergencies where a patient coughs uncontrollably or has breathing problems following a spinal injury. The scan allows your doctor to view all areas of your backbone, including the spinal column, spinal canal, and spinal disks.

Some of the common reasons you may require an MRI scan include:

• Spinal infections, swelling, or injuries
• Vertebrae fractures
• Tumors
• Slipped or bulging disks
• Spinal anomalies that show unusual curves or bulging areas

Moreover, your doctor may request a spine MRI right before undergoing procedures such as spinal decompression, steroid injections, or spinal fusion.

Some of the common symptoms that may indicate a need for spinal MRI include:

• Thoracic pain (mid-spine aches)
• Lumbar pain (lower backaches)
• Neck pain (cervical aches)
• Muscle spasms
• Abnormal posture
• Lower back stiffness or limited range of motion
• Walking difficulties or balance issues
• Radiating pain through the arms, legs, and chest
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Back pain that lasts for more than ten days
• Paralysis in any body part
• Tingling or numbness of the toes, fingers, feet, or hands

An Overview of Spinal Anatomy

If you are scheduled for a spinal MRI, the chances are that your doctor suspects concerns with your spinal anatomy. It is hence best for patients to know a thing or two about the composition of their backbones.

The spinal column is also referred to as the spinal canal or the vertebral. It is composed of 33 vertebrae set apart by disks that provide much-needed cushioning. The spinal column is classified into the following distinct areas:

• Cervical area (7 vertebrae along the neck)
• Thoracic area (12 vertebrae along the chest area)
• Lumbar area (lower back area with 5 vertebrae)
• Sacrum (consists of 5 small-sized, fused vertebrae)
• Coccyx (4 fused vertebrae that form 1 bone, the tailbone)

Your spinal cord is an integral part of your central nervous system. It is situated in the vertebral canal and stretches from your skill base to the upper region of the lumbar area. Surrounding your spinal cord are 33 vertebrae and a sac filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Because your spinal code is tasked with carrying movement and sensory signals from the brain, you may experience a range of concerns, including limited reflexes if it is injured or diseased.

Understanding How Spinal MRI Works

MRI units have evolved tremendously over the years. The traditional unit has a sizeable cylinder-like tube enclosed in a circular magnet. During the scan, you will lie on a table that automatically slides you into the middle of the magnet. Currently, you can also find short-bore MRI units designed only to surround a patient with the magnet partially.

There are also modern variations of MRI machines that feature a larger diameter bore. These machines are perfect for claustrophobic patients or those that are bigger. Moreover, you can also find open MRI units ideal for examining larger patients, although they are only beneficial for specific exams.

Irrespective of the machine used, it will use radio waves that alter the arrangement of hydrogen atoms found within the body. Note that this process doesn’t make any harmful chemical changes in your tissues. MRI scans are achieved when hydrogen atoms move to resume their natural alignment. As they do this, they radiate various amounts of energy; based on which body tissue they are situated. MRI scanners capture the energy and create detailed images using the generated information.

The majority of MRI units produce the magnetic field when an electric current passes through the wire coils. Note that this process doesn’t expose a patient to an electric current. The coils are tasked with sending or receiving radio waves and are situated within the machine, mainly around the body parts that may require imaging. When radio waves are transmitted, the machine detects them, creating a series of images on the computer monitor.

Each image from the series of images produced only scans a small segment of the body. A radiologist can study a body part from different angles and differentiate normal from diseased tissue. Generally, the results from an MRI scan are better than those produced by ultrasound or CT scan units.

How Is A Spine MRI Performed?

Depending on your overall state of health and your doctor’s preferred style of practice, you may be discharged right after an MRI scan or remain in the hospital for a few days. Knowing what to expect during the procedure can help put your mind at ease.

General, here is how a spinal MRI is performed:

• The radiologist will request you to remove your clothes and wear a hospital gown.
• You also have to remove your eyeglasses, removable dental work, jewelry, hearing aid, and hairpins, among other objects that can interrupt the smooth flow of a procedure.
• The radiologist will inject your arm or hand with contrast dye if a procedure is conducted with contrast. In this case, you can expect side effects such as a cold feeling or a flushing sensation. Some patients also experience brief headaches, nausea, itching, or a metallic taste in their mouth. Fortunately, these effects don’t last for more than a few minutes.
• You will be requested to lie on the scan table before it is slid into the MRI scanner. A radiologist may use straps and pillows to limit your movement during the scan. Note that any movements may distort or negatively impact the quality of the scans.
• Usually, the scanner controls are situated in a different room that you can view through a window. The technologist operating the controls can communicate with you and give instructions that you can hear through the speakers located within the MRI scanner. Moreover, the scanner has a button you can press to let the technologist know if you experience any issues in the course of a procedure, such as sweating, heart palpitations, or breathing difficulties. You will be constantly watched throughout the scan, and the technologist will also communicate with you constantly. As part of the scanning process, you can expect your radiologist to instruct you to hold your breath for a few seconds at different intervals.
• The scanner produces clicking noises during the scanning process. However, the radiologist may provide a headset or earplugs to shield out the noise and keep you as comfortable as possible.
• After the scan is completed, the san table will slide out, and the radiologist will help you get on your feet. You can then view the scans and confirm that you have images of all the target areas.
• If a procedure involves using contrast material, the technologist must perform another scan after taking the IV line. This part of the process takes a maximum of 20 minutes.

What to Expect After an MRI Procedure

Below are some of the expectations after an MRI Procedure

• MRI scans are noninvasive and generally painless. However, it is typical for patients to feel lightheaded or a little dizzy because of lying flat and still for nearly an hour. It is hence imperative to move slowly and avoid getting on your feet until the radiologist instructs you to do so. If the experts administered sedatives before the procedure, you have to remain rested for a while to allow the sedative to wear off. Make sure you don’t drive yourself home after the scan.
• In case contrast dye is administered during an MRI scan, you have to remain in the hospital for a while for proper monitoring of any side effects. As aforementioned, patients may experience breathing difficulties, swelling, and itching, among other side effects.
• Sometimes, the IV site may swell, feel painful or show some redness after you return home. If this happens, it may be part of the side effects of using contrast dye or an IV site infection. It is best to notify your doctor immediately for further instructions.
• Depending on why you needed a spinal MRI, your doctor may provide a unique set of aftercare instructions. Make sure you follow them to the latter. Typically, you can resume working and even enjoy your favorite meals after the scan. Even though no special aftercare is required unless your doctor instructs otherwise, make sure you take at least 50 ounces of water within a day following a procedure. This is an essential step, mainly if contrast material is used.

Note that the radiologist can send the results of your MRI scan directly to your referring physician. You can then review the scans together and give further instructions to your radiologist if necessary.

Understanding the Benefits, Risks, and Limitations of Spinal MRI Scans

Like most medical procedures, MRI spinal scans come with a unique set of benefits, risks, and limitations. Even so, we can all agree about the effectiveness of the procedure that far outweighs its risks and even its limitations. So let’s begin with the pros of spinal MRI:

Benefits

• A non-invasive imaging procedure that doesn’t expose patients to harmful radiation
• MRI scans produce more detailed and more explicit images when compared to other imaging methods such as x-rays and CT scans. This allows physicians to quickly identify spinal abnormalities, diseases, or injuries that may not be visible using other imaging methods.
• Using MRI, a physician can detect abnormalities obscured by bones
• During MRI scans, radiologists use gadolinium contrast material. Compared to the iodine-based material used during CT scans and X-rays, gadolinium is less likely to cause significant allergic reactions.
• MRI allows comprehensive evaluation of spinal injuries. In return, physicians can establish whether a concern is caused by ligament injuries, paralysis, muscle weakness, or other issues. Proper diagnosis is often the first step to receiving proper treatment.
• Through MRI, a physician can detect even the slightest changes in the vertebral column. This helps to ensure early intervention of potentially life-threatening concerns such as abscesses and tumors.
• An MRI scan can also assess post-surgery complications, including infections, scarring, and internal bleeding.

MRI scans are relatively safe for the average patient. As long as you follow all safety guidelines, you are less likely to be exposed to any risks. All the same, patients have a slim chance of suffering from the following risks:

Risks

• A radiologist may find it fit to use too much sedation to ensure a patient’s comfort. On the bright side, all your vital signs will be constantly monitored to reduce the risk of unforeseen complications.
• MRI may not be ideal for patients with implanted medical devices. While the strong magnetic field is not known to cause any health concerns, it may cause the shifting or malfunction of such devices. Medical devices like pacemakers may even distort the MRI images.
• Patients with severe kidney disease may suffer from Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis if injected with gadolinium contrast material. This material may also cause mild allergic reactions to the average patient. Fortunately, your radiologist can provide immediate remedies to address any allergies.
• MRI scans are not recommended for pregnant mothers. Even though there’s no concrete evidence that shows that the scan can hurt a fetus, it is best not to only schedule for MRI during the first trimester if it is medically necessary. Breastfeeding mothers must also refrain from nursing their babies for 24 to 48 hours following a scan. However, the ACR (American College of Radiology) has confirmed that the amount of contrast that can potentially leak into breastfeeding milk is extremely low.
• Compared to other imaging methods, MRI exams procedures are more expensive and time-intensive.

While MRI is currently the most advanced imaging technology, it also bears certain limitations.

Limitations

• The quality of images produced may depend on your ability to remain still for 30 to 60 minutes. You must also be able to hold your breath at intervals dictated by your technologist. Patients who are in severe pain, anxious or confused may unwillingly pose challenges in generating clear images.
• MRI machines, including the big scanners, have weight limits. As a result, patients who are overweight or too oversized may not fit into the machines.
• Patients with overly irregular heartbeats may not obtain top-quality images — The majority of MRI machines’ time imaging depends on the heart’s electrical activity.

Tips to Help You Prepare For a Spinal MRI Scan

Unfortunately, not all patients are ideal candidates for MRI scans. This makes it imperative to meet with your radiologist for an initial consultation before being subjected to a strong magnetic environment. Typically, patients with any metals in their bodies may not benefit from MRI scans.

During the consultation, make sure you inform the radiologist about the following:

• Any foreign devices installed in your body following medical procedures. This could be a pacemaker, insulin pump, vessel coils, etc.
• If you have worked for prolonged periods with metal (for instance, professional welders)
• Pregnancy or the suspicion of being pregnant
• Body piercing, tattoos, or permanent eyeliner
• The possibility of having a metal fragment in your body perhaps following an injury or bullet wound
• If you have any medication patch
• The presence of an injury or aches that may hinder you from lying down in a still position for about an hour

If you are confirmed to be an excellent candidate for a spine MRI scan, you can eat, drink and take your medication as usual unless instructed otherwise.

Find a Los Angeles Diagnostics Near Me

If your physician recommends a spinal MRI scan in Los Angeles as part of the diagnosis for back pains or abnormalities, turn to us for clear and detailed imaging services. At Los Angeles Diagnostics, we understand the importance of MRI scans in ensuring the correct diagnosis and treatment of various health concerns. We have a team of trained and experienced radiologists who can help you analyze images from your scans before reporting the findings to your physician. Call us today at 323-486-7502 for consultation or to book an appointment.