If you have been struggling with back or neck pain from an old injury or illness, your chiropractor may recommend an MRI scan to get a clearer understanding of how your body has been affected. An MRI stands for “magnetic resonance imaging” and provides highly detailed images of your internal structures including bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.
If you need a chiropractor immediately after a car accident but don’t know how to pick. You want to pick one that gets full diagnostic imaging before performing any adjustments, or they could make you worse. Our chiropractors may request an MRI scan to provide more information for the most accurate diagnosis and to better inform a treatment plan that works best for you. While chiropractors are known for their treatment of spine and back pain, they can actually provide natural, minimally invasive treatment for a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues. An MRI may provide greater clarity in what internal structures may be affected by your injury or illness.
Three Types of Common MRI Scans
An MRI uses magnetic and radio waves to take detailed pictures of your body for greater clarity on how your body has been impacted. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, you do not need to worry about radiation exposure with this type of scan. Here are three common MRI types and what they look for:
Cardiac MRI
Your doctor may request a cardiac MRI to view how your heart structure and blood vessels may have any damage or blockages. If you have suffered a heart attack, then a cardiac MRI can help provide a clearer understanding of how your entire circulatory system has been affected. A cardiac MRI can also help your doctor look for inflammation in heart tissue, tumors, and problems with heart valves or the heart’s chambers, as well as prevent heart disease.
Functional MRI
Your doctor may schedule a functional MRI to gauge the blood flow to your brain and assess the activity in your brain. A functional MRI will highlight areas of your brain and when they are activated by certain thoughts or tasks. A functional MRI is commonly used to assess brain injury and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Musculoskeletal MRI
Your doctor may recommend a musculoskeletal MRI to assess a variety of injuries and illnesses that impact your musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors commonly treat spinal and disc issues, along with back and neck pain. Car accident injuries may also cause damage and injury to a combination of soft tissues that an MRI can best detect. A musculoskeletal MRI can provide detailed pictures of disc degeneration, dislocations, and fractures.
Other types of MRI scans include screenings for breast cancer, assessing the size and growth of tumors, and monitoring cancer growth before and after treatment. MRI scans can also be used to diagnose issues with other organs like the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen.
The Differences Between Open and Closed MRIs
When your doctor recommends an MRI scan, you might experience some anxiety or stress about the process, especially if you feel uncomfortable in small spaces. Traditional MRI machines are tube-shaped and require patients to lay still inside for a certain period of time. This structure, known as a closed MRI, can make some people feel enclosed or claustrophobic. Closed MRIs have been the standard for many years and offer high-resolution images that are important for accurate diagnosis, especially for detailed scans of small body structures that can’t be detected in an X-ray or CT scan as easily.
With advancements in technology, open MRIs have also become an option for certain patients. Open MRI machines have a more spacious design, often shaped like a “C” or with open sides, which can help reduce your feelings of claustrophobia or discomfort. Open MRIs may also be helpful for larger-bodied individuals or young children since the open design makes the scan more comfortable.
However, there are some trade-offs. The images produced by open MRIs may not be as high in resolution as those from closed MRIs, making them less ideal for some types of scans, especially when detailed images are crucial for diagnosing complex conditions. Still, open MRIs are an effective option for imaging larger body parts and for people who may not do well with a closed MRI. Ultimately, the choice between an open or closed MRI may depend on factors such as the specific area being scanned, the need for image clarity, and your comfort level. Your doctor can help guide you in choosing the best type of MRI for your needs.
Additional MRI Machine Types
In addition to open vs closed MRIs, there are also additional different types of MRI scans.
Wide-Bore MRI
A wide-bore MRI is a modification of the traditional closed MRI, featuring a wider tunnel that still maintains the cylindrical, closed shape. The bore (opening) is wider, typically around 70 cm, providing more space and making it more comfortable for larger-bodied individuals or those who feel slightly anxious in enclosed spaces. Wide-bore MRIs still have the high magnetic field strength of a closed MRI, which makes them a solid compromise for people who need detailed images but may not be comfortable in a traditional closed MRI.
Upright or Stand-Up MRI
An upright MRI, also known as a stand-up or positional MRI, allows patients to be scanned while sitting or standing rather than lying down. This machine has an open, C-shaped design, with the scanner positioned to accommodate upright imaging. Upright MRIs are particularly beneficial for spine and joint imaging, as they allow doctors to observe the natural positioning and alignment of the body under gravity. This machine is helpful for patients who cannot lie flat for long periods due to pain, physical limitations, or mobility issues. Upright MRIs may also be recommended for people with claustrophobia.
Extremity MRI
Extremity MRIs are small, compact scanners designed specifically for imaging arms, legs, hands, and feet. Rather than requiring the whole body to be inside the machine, the patient can sit comfortably while only the specific limb or area is scanned. Extremity MRIs are ideal for diagnosing injuries or conditions in joints, muscles, and bones of the extremities, such as torn ligaments or arthritis. This machine type can also be less intimidating since it avoids the need to enter a large, enclosed MRI system. It’s also a good alternative for those with claustrophobia who only need a focused scan.
Portable MRI Machines
Portable MRI machines are compact, mobile units that can be transported to different locations. These machines are not yet as widely available as traditional MRI machines, but they are increasingly being used in emergency settings. Portable MRIs are helpful for on-site imaging, especially in hospitals without MRI facilities or in rural and remote locations. Because of their smaller size and portability, these machines may not offer the highest image quality as closed MRIs, but they can still provide key information, like in emergency and trauma situations where timely imaging is crucial.
Reasons for an MRI with Contrast
In some cases, your doctor may request an MRI with contrast, which is a type of scan that uses a special dye to enhance the clarity of certain tissues or structures. During a contrast MRI, a contrast agent is injected into your bloodstream before or during the scan. This dye moves through the blood vessels and highlights areas where blood flow is more active, which can help highlight soft tissues, organs, and blood vessels.
The contrast dye improves the diagnostic images and helps your doctor more accurately evaluate certain health conditions. MRI scans with contrast are especially useful in cases where there may be a tumor, cyst, or abnormal mass because the contrast dye can help differentiate these areas from healthy tissue. Contrast MRIs are also commonly used to examine blood flow, identify inflammation, and evaluate conditions like multiple sclerosis or infections. The additional detail provided by the contrast can make a significant difference in detecting subtle abnormalities in the body, which is essential for early diagnosis and treatment planning.
Before getting an MRI with contrast, your doctor will make sure that it is safe for you since certain health conditions, such as kidney issues, may make the use of contrast dye less than ideal. However, in most cases, MRI contrast agents are safe and well-tolerated, with very few people experiencing side effects.
Why Your Doctor Might Request Different Types of MRI
Doctors order MRIs to gather detailed images of internal body structures, but the specific type of MRI recommended can depend on various factors. The decision may be based on the area of the body being examined, the detail required, and your personal needs or preferences. Here’s an overview of why your doctor might suggest a particular type of MRI:
- Size of Area Being Scanned
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- Closed MRI: Offers high-resolution images, ideal for detailed scans of small structures like the brain, spinal cord, or joints.
- Open MRI: Useful for imaging larger body areas where extremely fine detail isn’t as necessary, such as the abdomen.
- Patient Comfort and Claustrophobia
- Open MRI: May be recommended if you have claustrophobia or find it difficult to lie still in an enclosed space.
- Closed MRI: Though enclosed, it remains the preferred option when clarity and precision are critical.
- Body Size and Accessibility
- Open MRI: Offers more space, making it suitable for larger-bodied individuals or those with limited mobility.
- Closed MRI: Sometimes limited by size, though newer models can accommodate a wider range of body types.
- Need for Enhanced Image Detail
- MRI with Contrast: Used to highlight specific structures like blood vessels, soft tissues, and areas with abnormal growths like tumors.
- Non-Contrast MRI: Recommended type of MRI where the image detail provided by contrast isn’t necessary, for example, in routine scans for joints or bones.
- Specific Medical Conditions Being Investigated
- Contrast MRI: Often essential in cases of neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, as well as in detecting vascular issues and certain cancers.
- Open MRI: Chosen for conditions where patients may need a more comfortable environment, such as pediatric scans or for individuals with anxiety disorders.
AICA Conyers for MRIs and More
At AICA Orthopedics in Conyers, our team of chiropractors, orthopedic doctors, neurologists, and physical therapists work together to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan that works best for you. We also offer diagnostic imaging tests like MRI scans in-house, so you can meet with your doctor and get an MRI all in one convenient location. This streamlined approach saves you time and helps your doctor access and review your imaging results more quickly. With everything under one roof, we ensure a seamless, coordinated experience to support your recovery and health goals at AICA.