Do you experience back pain while sitting on a chair or trying to get up from it? These may be signs of lower spine problems. Other than these, soft tissues, discs, and nerves in the spine may also cause neck pain, middle back pain, and more. These can be equally uncomfortable and hinder your ability to move freely. While spine problems may occur due to various reasons and affect people of all ages, it is more common in older adults.
The diagnosis of spine problems may include physical diagnosis as well as certain tests. Along with this, the doctor may also recommend MRI scans for the spine. In some cases, it may become difficult to diagnose neurological or musculoskeletal problems through physical examination. MRI scans, on the other hand, provide a detailed and in-depth diagnosis of the spine. If you are looking for an MRI scan for the spine in Indianapolis, the Affordable MRI Center is what you may need. In this blog, we will discuss all about MRI scans for the spine and where you can find the most affordable services.
MRI scans for spine
The human spine is divided into three parts; cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. Below the lumbar lies the sacrum and coccyx. Patients may experience pain due to a problem in any part of the spine. Different pain points may emanate pain to different parts of the body. For instance, cervical spine problems may cause neck pain, lumbar may cause lower back pain and more.
If you are experiencing any such pain or discomfort, make sure to consult your doctor at the earliest opportunity. There are two types of MRI scans and your doctor may recommend one of these:
- MRI scans with contrast
In cases where the doctor suspects a serious condition, or cancer, or requires minute details of the body part, they may recommend MRI scans with contrast. Here, the term contrast refers to a dyeing agent known as gadolinium. The patient receives gadolinium through intravenous before the MRI scan. After a while, the MRI scan is done. Within some time after the scan is done, the dyeing agent flushes out of the body. If you need MRI scans for the spine in Indianapolis with contrast, AMC is there to assist you!
- MRI scans without contrast
MRI scan without contrast refers to the basic MRI scan. Here, no use of gadolinium is done. The patient directly undergoes the MRI scan procedure. Once the scan is done, the patient may come out of the room, relax, collect reports, and leave. In case the patient has been sedated, they may rest at our clinic for a while before they leave for home. At the Affordable MRI Center, we conduct MRI scans for the spine in Indianapolis without contrast!
Who needs MRI scans for the spine?
Spines may catch infections, and diseases, sustain injury pain, or more. There can be various reasons why your doctor may recommend an MRI scan for the spine, like:
- Fever along with back pain
- Defects in the spine since birth
- Injury in the spine
- Severe pain in the upper, middle, or lower back
- Multiple sclerosis
- Signs of spinal cancer
- Bladder problems
- Numbness in legs, arms, or other body parts
- An accident leading to back injuries
In all such conditions, an individual may experience pain, discomfort, or burning sensations in certain areas of the back and other body parts. Make sure to acknowledge these signs and consult your doctor immediately. If you need an MRI scan for the spine in Indianapolis, we can assist you with the best services at the Affordable MRI Center.
Conclusion
Ignoring the signs of spine problems is never a good idea. It only delays the treatment and may lead to more complications. With age, it is more common for people to experience back pain or discomfort due to spine problems. However, it is always crucial to visit your doctor for proper treatment. Your spine carries a whole lot of tasks of keeping your body in correct alignment, promoting free movement of various body parts, and more.
So, make sure your spine is always in good condition. In some cases, medications and physiotherapy may be sufficient. However, in some cases, doctors may recommend surgery or interventional therapies. For an in-depth diagnosis, the doctor may need an MRI scan of the spine. You may contact us at 317-284-1978 or visit our Affordable MRI Center to get the task done. Contact us to book your appointment today in Indianapolis.
FAQs
What are MRI scans?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI is a diagnostic procedure. Patients who suffer a serious ailment or require an in-depth diagnosis of certain body parts may have to undergo MRI scans. It is a diagnostic imaging done with the help of a huge MRI machine. The patient lies down on a tray and it goes inside the machine. After the MRI scan is done, the tray slides out and the patient can relax and go home.
What is the role of MRI scans?
MRI scans are one of the most advanced diagnostic imaging procedures. The purpose of MRI scans is to have an in-depth look at the various physical problems. In case of spine problems, physical examination, X-rays, or blood tests may not be sufficient. Doctors may recommend MRI scans to the patient.
Are MRI scans painful?
No. MRI scans are not painful at all. The patient on the tray slides inside the MRI machine. They may hear sounds during the scan but nothing happens to the patient. They just have to lie down still. However, for some claustrophobic people, it may be a panicking condition. In such cases, the doctor recommends taking sedation that can help them stay calm and still.
Will I receive anesthesia before the MRI scan?
No. Anesthesia is not a requirement for an MRI scan since there is no pain during the procedure. Some people, however, may receive sedation that can help them relax during the procedure.
How can I book my appointment at the Affordable MRI Center?
To book your appointment at the Affordable MRI Center, you may drop a call at 317-284-1978. Patients may also directly walk into our clinic to get the scan done or book their appointment.
Are MRI scans costly?
MRI scans, being advanced diagnostic imaging, can be a costly affair when compared to X-rays or CT scans. This is because the technique, expertise, and machine involved are quite expensive. So, you may have to pay more for MRI scans than X-rays or CT scans. However, at the Affordable MRI Center, we assure the most affordable rates for contrast and without contrast MRI scans. So, book your appointment today!