At some point or another, we all experience joint stiffness and muscle pain, especially as a result of our daily activities. However, according to Healthline, you may have myalgia, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, or another long-term ailment if the issues persist. Rather than live with it, our stellar Brooklyn Open MRI team can diagnose and treat your concerns with musculoskeletal MRIs.
The Causes of Musculoskeletal Injuries
If you work in manufacturing or construction, bending, twisting, and lifting are just a few activities you do throughout the day. There are also those who exert themselves with workouts and sports, all of which cause strains affecting the musculoskeletal system. Anything from handling heavy loads to fast-paced work and vibrations contributes to soft-tissue injuries.
According to the CDC, the same is true for the opposite. If your white-collar job has you sitting in static positions for extended periods or your sedated lifestyle doesn’t include enough exercise and stretching, your musculoskeletal system weakens.
MSK MRIs Versus X-Rays
A musculoskeletal injury means you have joint, bone, tissue, or muscle tears. While you may be familiar with other types of scans, musculoskeletal MRIs are the only proper way to diagnose the issue.
X-rays, one of the oldest imaging-capturing techniques, use electromagnetic waves that are either absorbed or pass through the internal components of whatever they scan. For instance, the bones absorb the waves, showing up white on the image, while broken bones allow the waves to pass through, causing them to look dark. Since magnetic waves can pass through soft tissue, they appear gray, making them more difficult to see.
Magnetic resonance imaging offers more detailed pictures than X-rays since it uses a magnetic field alongside radio waves to create three-dimensional images. That means MRI musculoskeletal exams more clearly capture soft tissues with the injection of contrast. Unlike X-rays, MSK MRIs also pinpoint cartilage, tendon, and ligament damages so your doctor can accurately diagnose and treat your condition.
What Makes Us Different Makes Your Treatment Different
At Brooklyn Open MRI, our qualified specialists use first-class modern equipment to perform musculoskeletal MRI scans, X-rays, EMG tests, and more. We also have emergency diagnostics and same-day appointments available. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection), so schedule an appointment with our Brooklyn team!
Common FAQs About MSK and MRIs
What happens during the exam?
The radiologist places you in a scanner during MRI exams, where you must remain still while the device captures photos. You’ll receive headphones or earplugs (and maybe an IV drip) to make you more comfortable.
What happens after an MRI musculoskeletal exam?
According to RadiologyInfo.org, the radiologist examines the scans and writes a signed report that they then send to your referring physician. The physician breaks down the information with you and explains treatment options.
What are other factors that lead to MSK?
Alongside over-exertion and sedation, age can be a factor since older individuals are more susceptible to these injuries. Poor nutrition, dehydration, and family history (since weakness in the bones and joints can be hereditary) are also common causes.