When to Have an MRI for a Herniated Disc

Monday, March 2nd, 2009 at 2:25 am

MRI is the commonly used layman’s term for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This is a non-invasive procedure adopted to obtain images of the inner parts of the body. The procedure is based on using powerful magnets and radio waves to capture images of the inner parts of the body. The procedure does not employ any kind of radiation rather it based on the magnetic properties of the atom. So powerful is this method as a diagnostic tool that it can differentiate between organs and also provide information about the tissue of a tumor, informing the diagnostician whether the growth is cancerous or non-cancerous. The results can easily be stored in the computer or as printouts, and the patient can be imaged through his clothes; there is no special reason to undress for undergoing this test.

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MRI is a great advance in treating back-related problems. It allows the imaging of the spinal area and clearly differentiates between the vertebrae, the spinal cord and the spaces between the vertebrae through which the nerves travel and pass out to the rest of the body. In addition, it provides pictures of the areas that are hard to view, such as the spinal canal, the bony segments and the soft tissues.

It is also an ideal diagnostic tool to explore the possibility of spinal lesions and tumors and to identify the exact location of these items. It is safer and more comfortable for the patient and likewise, more informative for the doctor, thus enabling a more precise diagnosis and quicker treatment option. However, the test does take a lot of time to perform as a number of images maybe required if the test is to be efficient and effective. However, patients who have had any kind of implant may not be able to take the test. In fact, even people like sheet metal workers may need to be prescreened before taking the test. This is to ensure accuracy since the test uses magnetic imaging and magnets attract metals.

According to the Maryland Spine Center, the MRI cost can be bifurcated into two areas. The first is the actual cost of the test or the ‘technical fees’. The second is the cost of reading the test or the ‘professional fee’. Therefore, at times the patient may receive two bills for the same MRI. However this is not always the case, testing services/hospitals may opt to combine the two costs and present the patient with a single bill only. It has generally been found that MRI costs are higher that X-ray costs, but the results prompt quicker diagnostics and treatment options can begin immediately. On the other hand, X-rays cost less, but may delay the treatment until more tests and time is spent on trying other options. On the average, it has been found that the spinal MRI costs in the range of $2300-$2500. This cost may vary from State to State and also from facility to facility. It would be best to obtain an accurate costing from the diagnostic center the patient plans to use.

By: zareen

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