When someone has back pain, they often see a chiropractor for simple relief. But sometimes, an adjustment might not be the best or safest option. In such cases, can chiropractors order MRI? An MRI can show important details about our spine, and chiropractors can order one if necessary.
Spinal manipulation isn’t always the answer, so many chiropractors use MRI to figure out the best chiropractic care for their patients. They also check your spine with hands-on assessments and X-rays. These tests usually help them understand and diagnose back or neck pain. If your pain continues, a chiropractor might suggest an MRI.
In this article, we will explain what an MRI scan is, when a chiropractor refers to an MRI, the process and criteria for ordering an MRI, and everything else you need to know. Let’s get started!
What Is an MRI Scan?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical scan that takes pictures of the inside of your body. It uses a strong magnet and radio waves to create these images. MRI is great for looking at soft tissues like organs and muscles, which don’t show up well on X-rays.
An MRI scan uses a table that slides into a large cylinder. Inside the cylinder, a magnet creates a powerful magnetic field. Water molecules in soft tissue have tiny particles called protons. The magnetic field affects these protons. When the MRI scan sends out radio waves, the protons send back an echo.
A computer then turns these echoes into images. The MRI scan operator (radiologist) can take pictures of the patient’s body from almost any angle.
When Might a Chiropractic MRI Referral Be Necessary?
Usually, a chiropractor won’t order an MRI and approach a thorough assessment without it. But sometimes, an MRI is necessary. Here are a few reasons a chiropractor might suggest an MRI:
- Disc Degeneration: This happens when the discs between your vertebrae dry out and crack. They might bulge or move out of place, causing painful pressure.
- Dislocations: Car accidents or sports injuries can dislocate your hip, knee, shoulder, or spine. An MRI can show the health of your bones and soft tissues.
- Fractures: Broken bones or vertebral compression fractures might mean you have conditions like osteoporosis that need treatment.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition narrows the spinal canal, which houses the spinal cord. The narrowing can compress nerves, causing numbness, pain, tingling, and weakness.
- Spinal Tumors: Though rare, spinal tumors can cause back pain and nerve damage. If chiropractic treatment doesn’t help your back pain, a spinal tumor might be the cause.
Process and Criteria for Chiropractors Ordering MRI
Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal issues of the human body. People usually visit a chiropractor for low back and leg pain, neck and arm pain, or headaches. For finding deeper issues, an X-ray is a good starting point, but it doesn’t always give enough information. Often, the next step is an MRI for these reasons:
- To check for fractures
- To find tumors
- To see dislocations
- To spot aneurysms
The difference between an X-ray imaging and an MRI is that they are like watching TV in black and white rather than in color. We all have to decide how to treat the case, whether through a chiropractic spinal adjustment, decompression, bed rest, or referral to a neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon,
But ordering an MRI shouldn’t be done without careful thought. An immediate MRI is necessary in serious clinical situations.
Candidates for a Chiropractic MRI
A chiropractor will recommend you an MRI if they find your medical history and current symptoms deteriorating. Here are some reasons you might need an MRI:
- Suppose you have persistent back pain that does not improve with chiropractic adjustments. In this case, you might need an MRI to find out the underlying cause.
- If you have experienced accidents, sports injuries, or significant falls, you may need an MRI. MRI will find the dislocations or fractures that are not visible through X-rays alone.
- If you feel numbness, tingling, weakness, or radiating pain in the arms or legs, an MRI may help identify why this pain is happening. MRI also can help to find out issues like spinal stenosis or nerve compression.
A chiropractor reviews your medical history and symptoms. They also conduct physical inspections to check posture and range of motion and do orthopedic and neurological tests. If necessary, they conduct X-rays to get a clear picture of the bones and joints.
If initial treatment does not improve the condition, an MRI is a must for further investigation. A chiropractor helps to determine whether you need an MRI or not.
The Side-Effects of a Chiropractic MRI
There are some side effects that can create discomfort for you. Let’s discuss the common discomforts during the MRI scan.
- Claustrophobia: If you are afraid of small, congested areas, you might feel discomfort or scared.
- Loud Noises: The MRI machine creates loud noises like loud banging and thumping. This sound can be unpleasant for you.
- Allergic Reactions: If you are an allergic person, you might feel uncomfortable with the contrast agent. But it’s rare for it to happen.
- Nausea: You can feel sick inside the MRI machine due to the narrow space. This is a common problem.
- Headaches: After the scan you might feel headaches. This is also common discomfort you might feel during the MRI.
Just stay relaxed before the MRI and practice deep breathing or meditation. Whenever you feel anxious, communicate with the technicians. They can help you through the process.
Financial Considerations
Insurance often covers MRIs. But you have to talk to your insurance provider about your plan. However, some plans need authorization before the MRI. Without authorization, you have to pay out of pocket. The cost of MRI varies due to the location. So, make plans after you talk to your insurance provider.
Can Chiropractors Order MRI- Final Statement
A chiropractor can often check your spine and make adjustments to fix many problems. MRI is usually needed for cases of trauma, like a car accident or long-lasting pain. MRI images help find and rule out specific issues.
Proper diagnostics guide your chiropractor in understanding what is happening in your muscles and bones. This helps them choose the best treatments and make a plan that targets injuries.
If you are one of those who are facing problems, consult with a licensed chiropractor like The Brost Clinic. We can help you to determine the appropriateness of an MRI scan. Contact our certified chiropractic clinic at (952) 475-1998 or email us at info@thebrostclinic.com for an insightful consultation.