The importance of getting an MRI

The importance of What is an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)?

Written by Fabio Pencle

An MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic test that uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. A patient is placed on a bed that moves through the circular magnet, creating a strong magnetic field using protons from hydrogen atoms exposed to a beam of radio waves. This spins the various protons of the body, and they produce a faint signal that is detected by the receiver portion of the MRI scanner. A computer processes the receiver information, which produces an image.

Technology of MRI machine have improved over time and can produce detailed imaging. For some procedures, contrast agents, such as gadolinium, are used to increase the accuracy of the images.

What are the uses for an MRI?

An MRI scan is an accurate method of disease detection throughout the body and is most often used after other testing modalities to provide sufficient information to confirm a patient's diagnosis. An MRI scan is used for defining brain anatomy and evaluating the integrity of the spinal cord after trauma. 

When considering problems associated with the vertebrae or intervertebral discs of the spine and MRI scan detects abnormalities such as herniated disc, spinal stenosis and other abnormalities. An MRI scan can evaluate the structure of the heart and aorta, where it can detect aneurysms or tears. MRI scans are not the first line of imaging test for these issues or in cases of trauma.

It provides valuable information on glands and organs within the abdomen, and accurate information about the structure of the joints, soft tissues, and bones of the body. Often, surgery can be deferred or more accurately directed after knowing the results of an MRI scan.

What are the risks and side effects of an MRI?

An MRI scan is a painless radiology technique that has the advantage of avoiding x-ray radiation exposure. There are no known side effects of an MRI scan. The benefits of an MRI scan relate to its precise accuracy in detecting structural abnormalities of the body. Patients who have any metallic materials within the body must notify their physician prior to the examination or inform the MRI staff. Metallic chips, materials, surgical clips, or foreign material (artificial joints, metallic bone plates, or prosthetic devices, etc.) can significantly distort the images obtained by the MRI scanner. Patients who have heart pacemakers, metal implants, or metal chips or clips in or around the eyeballs cannot be scanned with an MRI because of the risk that the magnet may move the metal in these areas. Similarly, patients with artificial heart valves, metallic ear implants, bullet fragments, and chemotherapy or insulin pumps should not have MRI scanning.

How is the procedure performed?

MRI exams may be performed in an outpatient or inpatient basis.  In the outpatient setting you will be positioned on the moveable exam table. Straps and bolsters may be used to help you stay still and maintain your position.

Some patients can experience a claustrophobic sensation during the procedure. Therefore, patients with any history of claustrophobia should relate this to the practitioner who is requesting the test, as well as the radiology staff. A mild sedative can be given prior to the MRI scan to help alleviate this feeling

MRI exams generally include multiple runs (sequences), some of which may last several minutes. You will be placed into the magnet of the MRI unit. The technologist will perform the exam while working at a computer outside of the room.

If a contrast material is used during the exam, it will be injected into the intravenous line (IV) after an initial series of scans. More images will be taken during or following the injection.

When the exam is complete, you may be asked to wait while the radiologist checks the images in case more are needed. Your IV line will be removed after the exam is over.

Depending on the type of exam and the equipment used, the entire exam is usually completed in 30 to 60 minutes.

Why is an MRI important?

This high-tech test is key to diagnosing and treating many health conditions that would otherwise remain hidden. While digital X-rays produce two-dimensional images, Magnetic Resonance Imaging renders three-dimensional images or even slices of internal organs.

This precision allows the doctors to gather and give information on health conditions such as:

·       Herniated Disc

·       Spinal Stenosis

·       Facet tropism

·       Multiple sclerosis

·       Tumors

·       Aneurysms (defects in artery walls)

·       Pinched nerves

·       Syrinx (fluid within the brain stem or spinal cord)

·       Congenital malformations

·       Stroke

·       Seizure disorders

·       Chiari malformation and associated balance problems

·       Head trauma

·       Bone infections

·       Problems with the inner ear and eye

Fortunately, an MRI is painless and non-invasive as it simply uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce its remarkable “pictures.”

Building from the ground up, we strive to be a global outpatient Academic Orthopedic and Neurosurgery-Spine Specialty & Research Institute of Excellence. We aim to lead in Less Exposure Surgery techniques. For more information call 855-411-LESS.

Here’s Why You Should Start Practicing Yoga to Promote a Healthy Spine

By Abagail Sullivan

From improving flexibility and posture to making you an overall happier person, there’s no secret yoga has its share of benefits. But when back pain and spinal spasms get in the way of your daily activities, practicing something like yoga might seem far fetched. To the contrary, yoga can be a notably beneficial activity for those struggling with back issues. Here’s why YOU should release your inner yogi and see what the buzz is all about.

Benefits

Protect Your Spine

Spinal discs get nutrients through movement. So it’s no surprise back bending, forward bending and twisting helps promote supple and healthy spine discs.

Perfect That Posture

Even those without back pain should be looking for ways to improve their posture, to avoid pain and degenerative arthritis of the spine. When your head and neck are balanced directly above your spine, it gives your body a break from straining the muscles to support it.

Relieve Lower Back Pain

Many yoga moves stretch and strengthen the lower back muscles and increase blood circulation. This, in turn, brings healing nutrients to injured tissues, easing pain from lower back muscles.

Learn Your Limits

learning your limits with yoga is crucial in preventing further back pains and injuries or worsening your condition. Practicing various positions (and re-positions) helps individuals understand their unique limitations.

Relaxation Nation

Relaxation is perhaps the most appealing aspect of yoga, and can actually be quite beneficial in promoting back health as well. Yoga practices incorporate relaxation among stretching, which reduces tension in muscles carrying stress.

Check out the Yoga Journal for moves to alleviate back pain. If you’re short on time, use this 10-minute yoga sequence as your go-to guide. Comment below to your fellow yogis, sharing what’s helped you in promoting a healthy spine and back.

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Adding Vitamins and Minerals to Your Diet to Promote Back Health

By Abagail Sullivan

You may never have considered diet as a way to promote back health, but what you eat is most certainly an influence in whether or not your back is feeling up to par. Consuming enough nutrition – through back-health promoting vitamins and minerals – is crucial in the development, maintenance, and improvement of your bone, muscle, and disc health. Review this list of vitamins and minerals – whose back relief benefits we’ve highlighted – and find out where you can access these (easy, healthy recipes linked accordingly) to start promoting your best back, today!

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps repair tissue and aids in the formation of bone.

Examples of sources high in vitamin A include: beef liver, carrots, sweet potato, kale, spinach, broccoli

To note: more than the recommended amount of vitamin A (about 900 mg daily for men and 700 mg daily for women) can promote bone fractures, so beware of excess intake.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B3, also referred to as Niacin, can help maintain a healthy nervous system, which is important for many spine conditions.

Good sources: turkey, chicken breast, peanuts, mushrooms, lamb liver, tuna

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is crucial for healthy bone marrow and for the spine to grow and function.

It reduces pressure in your back and eases chronic back pain.

Good sources: clams, beef liver, mackerel, crab, tofu, bran cereal

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is necessary for the development of collagen, which allows cells to be able to form into tissue.

It is important in the healing process for injuries involving tendons, ligaments, discs, bones, wounds, and burns.

It increases calcium absorption in the body to promote strong bones and protects your back from damaging free radicals.

Good sources: oranges, red peppers, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, strawberries

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for the development of healthy bones, aiding in calcium absorption to help prevent osteoporosis.

It produces new bone cells, decreases inflammation in the body, and can lessen spasms in the lower back.

Good sources: sunlight, sardines, salmon, mackerel, tuna, soy milk

Vitamin E

Vitamin E can help alleviate lower back pain as a powerful antioxidant that fights off free radicals.

It increases the antioxidant reaction in your body and reduces muscle pain and soreness by repairing damaged tissue.

Good sources: almonds, spinach, sweet potato, avocado, wheat germ, sunflower seeds

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is needed for the bones to properly use calcium, which in turn aids in the strength of healthy bones.

Good sources: dried basil, kale, onions, brussels sprouts, chili powder, asparagus

Calcium

Calcium is essential for bone health and building strong bones, helping to maintain the necessary level of bone mass and prevent osteoporosis.

Good sources: watercress, mozzarella, milk, yogurt, bok choy, tofu

Iron

Iron aids in the production of myoglobin, an important element of healthy muscles needed to support the spine.

Good sources: squash and pumpkin seeds, chicken liver, oysters, mussels, clams, nuts

Magnesium

Magnesium helps maintain muscle tone and bone density, which can aid in the prevention of back problems.

It is also a factor in prevention of calcium deficiency and osteoporosis.

Good sources: raw spinach, squash and pumpkin seeds, mackerel, soy beans, brown rice, avocado

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids can help inflammation that cause back pain.

Good sources: cold pressed flaxseed oil, salmon, chia seeds, walnuts, caviar, mackerel

Other sources that could be helpful…

Devil’s Claw

Devil’s Claw comes from a native African plant and can reduce flare-ups of chronic low back pain.

The ingredients in this plant may be effective in reducing back pain, because it’s chemicals may decrease inflammation and swelling that cause the pain

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the agent that gives hot peppers their heat, and this ingredient can be applied, using a cream, to relieve back pain.

Turmeric

Taken as a powder in capsules, mixed into tea, or as a liquid extract, Turmeric contains effective anti-inflammatory properties.