Click on the image to
a see a bigger picture of an MRI...
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. This test uses a strong magnet to allow a computer to make a detailed picture of the soft-tissues. The patient spends about an hour in a big doughnut shaped device. Expect to hear clicking noises. Ask your doctor for a sedative if you're at all claustrophobic.
What's it good for?
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Looking for herniated discs... Looking for arthritis that can pinch nerves... What doesn't it show?
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Soft-tissue injuries... Pinched nerves that don't have something obvious pressing on them... Torn muscles... Torn ligaments... In general, MRI is not a great test for people who have soft-tissue injuries. It doesn't usually show why some patients continue to have neck or back pain.
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Tell me more... Why is an MRI sometimes done with Gad or Gadolinium? Ask your doctor if you have any other questions.
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