An MRI scan, uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the human body without using X-rays (which in large doses are not that great for us). MRI produces very detailed pictures of bones and soft tissue, it gives us a more “complete” picture, of our anatomy that is!
MRI scans are often used as a means of getting a diagnosis. MRI scans can be more troublesome than you’d think. In a recent study a person with chronic low back pain was scanned 10x over 3 weeks at 10 different places. 10 different radiologists compiled reports. A total of 49 issues were highlighted. But 0 were reported in all 10 scans!!
When looking into some pain’s it’s not always necessary that we use an MRI scan to get the best possible outcome going forward! There is clearly high variability in reported findings from the radiologists. In conclusion MRI scans are an amazing tool for ensuring there is nothing sinister present, but it doesn’t always confirm the SOURCE OF PAIN. If you’re unsure if you need an MRI or not book an initial appointment using the link in our bio, below and we can in most cases (not all) reassure that you probably don’t.
📚 Variability in diagnostic error rates of 10 MRI centres performing lumbar spine MRI examinations on the same patient within a 3-week period.
Herzog R1, Elgort DR2, Flanders AE, Moley PJ.