Why is an MRI of the back performed? How is it prepared and conducted? Are there any harms associated with this procedure? Here is everything you need to know in the following article. Magnetic resonance imaging- MRI is an imaging technique that relies on the use of a magnetic field and radio waves to detailed cross-sectional images of organs and internal tissues of the body, including bones and joints. In the following, we will talk about the reasons for conducting an MRI of the back and some important information related to it:
Indications for an MRI of the back
MRI is a painless examination that enables doctors to look inside the tissues and structures of the body by producing a high definition image.
Doctors usually resort to using magnetic resonance imaging of the back to check for problems in the bones and joints of the back, spinal cord, or problems in the pelvis.
Here are some examples of health conditions that can be detected during an MRI of the back
Spinal cord injuries.
Neck and lower back pain.
Herniated disc between the vertebrae of the spine known as disc.
Damage to the joints of the spine and pelvis.
Problems with the pelvic bones or nearby organs, including the uterus and ovaries.
Bone and soft tissue cancer.
Tear ligaments and cartilage of the spine.
Infection of the bone.
Compression of the spinal cord or nerves.
Spondylolisthesis (Spondylolisthesis).
Cauda equina syndrome.
Preparing for an MRI of the back
Preparations for an MRI of the back include
It is normal to take diets or medications before the examination, unless the doctor decides otherwise.
Be on time, change clothes and wear a gown.
Remove all metal items, such as jewelry, watches, belts, money, telephones, hairpins or wigs, and bras that contain metal.
Remove all moving medical devices, such as: dentures or hearing aids.
Sometimes injecting the patient intravenously with a dye called contrast material to show some specific details, and this may be done according to the decision of the attending physician.
It should be noted that the imaging technician must be informed if there are any medical devices or metals inside the patient''s body, such as:
An implantable defibrillator, pacemaker, or artificial heart valve.
Metal limbs and joints.
Nails, plates or metal clips.
Cochlear implant.
IUD.
Medication pumps including an insulin pump.
Dental implants or dental fillings.
Lead or lead fragments.
Implanted neurostimulators
Tattoos, there are some dark pigments used to draw tattoos that contain minerals or any other permanent cosmetic materials that contain minerals.
How to perform an MRI of the back
Steps to perform an MRI of the back include
Lie down on a long tube-like table that will begin to slide as you start shooting.
Using some belts or straps to keep the patient still during the examination.
Put earplugs or earphones to hear music or anything else to reduce the noise that will be produced while the device is operating.
Sliding the table when starting the test, as part of the body can be ed into the device or the entire body, depending on the part to be examined.
Stay inside the device for between 20-90 minutes.
Communicate with the photography expert via microphone in case of assistance.
Giving the patient a sedative medicine in case of feeling afraid or claustrophobic.
Go home and do the routine work after completing the test, but if the patient receives sedative medication, he will be asked to stay until the effect of the medication wears off and go home to rest.
Preparing the required results and reports and sending them to the attending physician.
Risks and caveats of MRI of the back
The risks and caveats of an MRI of the back include the following
1. Risks related to exposure to a magnetic field
An MRI is safer than a CT scan or an X-ray, because it does not rely on the use of harmful ionizing radiation.
However, the magnetic force can cause the attraction of medical devices that may be present inside the body, which may lead to serious problems affecting the patient''s safety, and even if these devices are not attracted, their presence may affect the accuracy and clarity of the results, so the patient should be informed The doctor for the presence of any metal materials implanted inside the body.
2. Risks related to the dye used
The dye used for MRI may cause allergic reactions in some people. In addition, this substance may be harmful to some people, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people with liver or kidney disease.
