How do you prepare for a spine MRI?

1. Before the MRI test
2. During the MRI test
3. After the MRI test

A chiropractor performs hand-on examinations and X-rays to determine the health of your spine. But in some cases, an additional test might be necessary to gather more information about your condition.  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of test that your chiropractor might require to look for dislocations, tumors, and more. In this case, it’s beneficial to know how to prepare for a spine MRI.  Keep on reading.

Before The MRI Test

If you have a fear of enclosed spaces or suffer from pain when lying down for a few minutes, it’s a good idea to request medication to help you relax and alleviate the pain. Make sure to ask this in advance before the day of your MRI test. Wear comfortable clothing and leave your jewelry and piercing at home before heading out. You will be asked to remove all of these and change to a hospital gown before the scan. This is because MRI machines use magnets that can attract metals. This might interfere with the test or pose a risk. Other than these, you also need to remove hearing aids, hairpins, eyeglasses, mobile phones and other metal products. Inform your chiropractor if you have metal implants or other metal objects that might be in your body, too. This includes removable dental work.

During The MRI Test

An MRI machine looks like a cylinder-shaped tube with a table that slides you in the center of the opening. The MRI technician will ask you to lie flat on the table. The test is not supposed to hurt, but it might be uncomfortable for you to lie on a flat table for a few minutes if you’re not used to it. During the test, you won’t feel anything, but you might hear the sounds coming from the machine. You will be given earplugs or earphones with music to make your experience more comfortable. It is important to remain still during the scan to produce the best image quality. The scan will take about 30 minutes. In some cases, a contrast dye injection might be needed. This is necessary to create a clearer and more detailed scan of your tissues and blood vessels. The usual side effects are headache, dizziness, or feeling sick, but these are normally mild and only last a short while. 

After The MRI Test

Make sure that you have a companion to drive you home if you were given medicine to help you relax. But if not, you can go home as usual and continue your daily activities. If contrast dye is used, you can drink water, which helps eliminate the dye from your body faster. The results of the MRI will be released in a few days.

Key Takeaway

Now that you know how to prepare for a spine MRI, you should schedule your appointment soon. This way, your chiropractor can further evaluate and diagnose your condition. This is necessary if they suspect that you have a herniated disc, dislocations, tumors, spinal stenosis, and more.  If you’re suffering from back problems and need a chiropractor, feel free to send us a message here at Chiropractor Philippines. We can offer a variety of back pain treatment services that can help ease your pain and improve your quality of life.

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