Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI), is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize

detailed internal structures. MRI makes use of the property of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to image nuclei of atoms inside the body. Indications for when to get an MRI scan include:

For patients who have not done well after having back surgery, specifically if their pain symptoms do not get better after 4 to 6 weeks.

MRI Contraindications

Contraindications for undergoing an MRI scan for spine-related pain in the back, neck or leg include:

After 4 to 6 weeks of leg pain, if the pain is severe enough to warrant surgery After 3 to 6 months of low back pain, if the pain is severe enough to warrant surgery If the back pain is accompanied by constitutional symptoms (such as loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, chills, shakes, or severe pain when at rest) that may indicate that the pain is due to a tumor or an infection For patients who may have lumbar spinal stenosis and are considering an epidural injection to alleviate painful symptoms

the magnetic field may dislodge the metal Patients with severe claustrophobia may not be able to tolerate an MRI scan, although more open scanners are now available, and medical sedation is available to make the test easier to tolerate Patients who have had metallic devices placed in their back (such as pedicle screws or anterior interbody cages) can have an MRI scan, but the resolution of the scan is often severely hampered by the metal device and the spine is not well imaged.

What you can expect During the test The MRI machine looks like a tunnel that has both ends open. You lie down on a movable table that slides into the opening of the tunnel. A technologist monitors you from another room. You can talk with him or her by microphone. The MRI machine creates a strong magnetic field around you, and radio

Patients who have a heart pacemaker may not have an MRI scan Patients who have a metallic foreign body (metal sliver) in their eye, or who have an aneurysm clip in their brain, cannot have an MRI scan since

waves are directed at your body. The procedure is painless. You don't feel the magnetic field or radio waves, and there are no moving parts around you. During the MRI scan, the internal part of the magnet produces repetitive tapping, thumping and other noises. Earplugs or music may be provided to help block the noise. If you are worried about feeling claustrophobic inside the MRI machine, talk to your doctor beforehand. He or she may make arrangements for you to receive a sedative before the scan. An MRI typically lasts less than an hour. You must hold very still because movement can blur the resulting images. In some cases, contrast agents are injected into your veins to enhance the appearance of certain tissues or blood vessels in the images. During a functional MRI, you may be asked to perform a number of small tasks such as tapping your thumb against your fingers, rubbing a block of sandpaper or answering simple questions. This helps pinpoint the portions of your brain that control these actions.

After the test If you haven't been sedated, you may resume your usual activities immediately after the scan. Nursing mothers shouldn't breast-feed for 24 hours after an MRI if a contrast material was used.