Persistent back pain is not only troublesome, but alongside heart disease also the most common cause of occupational invalidity and early retirement. We recommend an MRI screening for frequently occurring or persistent complaints, since this is currently the most reliable procedure for discovering spinal diseases.
Who should have a check-up?
In cases of suspected spinal injuries, in particular fractures of the vertebrae, computed tomography (CT) of the spine is the method of choice. With its help, injuries can be classified and the severity of the damage assessed. It is particularly important for accident victims that such injuries are quickly assessed, as the spinal cord may also be affected. In addition, a CT scan of the spine is also well-suited in part for the assessment of changes in the soft tissue, for example in the diagnosis of slipped discs. The further procedure here however, is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
MRI is particularly suitable for representing the non-bony soft-tissue structures in the area of the spinal column. This applies, above all, to the intervertebral discs between the individual vertebral bodies, the spinal cord and the nerve roots arising therefrom. For this reason MRI is always the first choice when a slipped disc is suspected. If it is suspected that pathological changes are present in the soft tissue or bony structures concerned, it may be necessary to inject a gadolinium-based contrast agent into your arm vein before the examination.
How is the examination carried out?
The patient is moved into the tomograph in a supine position. No special preparation is necessary. The examination takes about 20 minutes as a rule.
In cases of suspected spinal injuries, in particular fractures of the vertebrae, computed tomography (CT) of the spine is the method of choice. MRI by contrast is particularly suitable for representing the non-bony soft-tissue structures in the area of the spinal column. This applies, above all, to the intervertebral discs between the individual vertebral bodies, the spinal cord and the nerve roots arising therefrom.