MRI Primer

An MRI is nothing more than a fancy picture that visualizes soft-tissues as well as bones.  However, it does not  show most soft-tissue injuries!  Why?  Let's use an analogy.  If your car didn't start one morning, what's the chance that taking Polaroid's of the engine will allow your mechanic to diagnose the problem?  Very small.  Your mechanic, like your doctor, would need to ask about how the problem started, open the hood, poke and prod, and in general obtain a lot more information.  An MRI is the same.  Your doctor must take the time to add it to a list of findings that include a good physical exam and history.