The MRI is a very sensitive test that can show the condition of your intervertebral disks and soft tissue. Its value in diagnosing back pain is different than that of an x-ray, as x-rays show what's happening in your bones.
In recent years there have been a few variations on the MRI that hold promise for sharpening the accuracy of spine diagnoses. One is the upright MRI, which allows the patient to be seated while going through the test. (Typically, a patient is lying down.) The upright MRI more closely simulates the position the patient is in for much of their day.
The other is MR Neurography (aka MRN) which is an MRI that takes pictures of your nerves. MRN may be able to help back pain sufferers who have nerve involvement. For example, if you have sciatica, the MRN could take pictures of your sciatic nerve.
Both the MRN and the upright MRI are relatively new diagnostic imaging tests. As such they may not be available in your area at this time.
Great info but a word of caution. MRI’s are useful tools but the ink that is injected with them is a serious byproduct. It can leave you feeling awful for a long time. Some people are allergic to it. Thanks for the info.
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