Living with persistent back pain symptoms can disrupt daily activities and diminish your quality of life. MRI for back pain is often the only solution to finding your diagnosis and treatment options. Our MRI services in Brooklyn, NY, help patients uncover the root causes of their discomfort.
In this guide, Brooklyn Open MRI will explain what MRI imaging can reveal about your back.
Identifying Hidden Causes With Advanced Imaging
Back pain ranks as the fifth most frequent cause for Americans to schedule doctor appointments and currently affects over 600 million people around the world. Magnetic resonance imaging uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of structures inside the body.
Unlike X-rays, which primarily show bones, MRI imaging captures high-resolution images of soft tissues, including spinal discs, nerves, muscles, and ligaments.
When To Consider MRI for Your Back Pain Evaluation in Brooklyn, NY
Certain symptoms warrant advanced imaging. According to medical guidelines from the National Library of Medicine, lower back pain develops in the lumbar region of your spine. This particularly refers to pain that radiates down your legs, muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations.
MRI becomes particularly important if you have risk factors for serious conditions. Symptoms like unexplained weight loss or nerve pain often signal the need for an MRI scan. If you’re over 50 or experiencing unexplainable discomfort, your provider will likely recommend a scan.
What Conditions Can MRI Imaging for Back Pain Reveal?
MRI imaging can reveal these conditions:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease and arthritic changes in the spine
- Fractures that may remain invisible on standard X-rays
- Spinal infections and tumors
- Nerve compression and damage
- Cancer and tumors
If you’re receiving an MRI exam for back pain, here’s what to expect: You’ll lie on a padded table that slides into the machine. The technologist will position you with supportive pillows and walk you through each step.
Your Path to Relief Starts at Brooklyn Open MRI
At Brooklyn Open MRI, we want to help you find answers. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Do you need to get an MRI exam for back pain after a car accident? Contact Brooklyn Open MRI today at (718) 400-6369 to take the first step toward back pain relief today.
FAQs
Find the most frequently asked questions and answers about back pain treatments and imaging below:
Does Your Whole Body Go Into the MRI Machine for a Lower Back Injury?
No, the whole body doesn’t go into the machine for a lower back scan. The scanner only needs to enclose the portion from your mid-back to your upper thighs.
When Should You Get an MRI Exam for Back Pain?
You should consider getting an MRI scan or a back pain diagnosis if you’re experiencing:
- Worsening or chronic pain
- Neurological symptoms
- Symptoms that do not respond to standard treatments
What Is the Main Cause of Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain is most commonly caused by muscle or ligament strains, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis.