College Park MRI Scans

Patients who suffer from musculoskeletal conditions within their chest, abdomen, or pelvis may require the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
MRI Scans combine radio waves with magnetic fields to produce a detailed record of your spinal anatomy.
When one of our College Park Chiropractors recommends an MRI scan, it is because they are looking for accurate information on some subjects that may include:

  • Vertebral body configuration
  • Spinal alignment
  • Intervertebral disc
  • Spinal canal size
  • Disc height and hydration
  • Pinched or inflamed nerves
  • The existence of abnormalities that may cause spinal pain
  • The physical appearance of your spinal cord

Benefits For Using MRI Scans

  • MRI scans of the soft-tissue structures of your body are more accurate when it comes to identifying underlying diseases and deeply rooted injuries than other types of scans.
  • MRI scans use a particular contrast agent known as gadolinium, which is less allergenic than other iodine-based contrast solutions used in CT scanning.
  • MRI scans are phenomenal for highlighting concerning conditions that might otherwise be hidden behind your bones when reviewed through other imaging devices.
  • MRI scans allow Chiropractors to analyze the biliary system non-invasively and without contrast injection thoroughly.

How MRI Scans Work

MRI Scans can produce highly detailed images of your spine through the use of a sizable magnet that stimulates the hydrogen atoms that exist within your

  • Vertebrae
  • Spinal cord
  • Spinal nerves
  • Spinal fluid
  • Muscles and ligaments that surround your spine

Since your body is mostly made of water, the MRI can manipulate these atoms in ways that create an accurate depiction of your spinal anatomy. As the patient, you are required to lay still in the center of the magnet, surrounded on all sides.Once the actual scanning process begins, your body’s water molecules start to line up and face either the North or South ends of the magnets that surround you. You will notice a particular humming noise that is generated from mechanical devices known as gradients.
Gradients give off FM radio signals that tip the water molecules away from the North and South ends. When the gradients are turned off, your molecules revert to their North or South facing positions, while another FM radio wave is sent out. A particular listening device is used to track this radio wave, while a computer analyzes it to construct a digital image of your anatomy.
For patients who have never experienced an MRI Scan before, it is important to know that there is no radiation used to construct the images of your spine and that the entire process is completely painless.>

What Are Some Common Uses of the MRI Procedure?

MRI Scans are often recommended to review:

  • Organs of the chest and abdomen
  • Pelvic organs including the bladder and the reproductive organs
  • Blood vessels (including MR Angiography)
  • Lymph nodes

Our College Park Chiropractors use MRI scans to help diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions such as:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Tumors of your pelvis, abdomen, or chest
  • Blood vessel malformations
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Liver disease
  • Stroke
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Motor neuron disease (MND)
  • Meningitis
  • Encephalitis
  • Brain or spinal cord injuries
  • Bone injuries
  • Joint injuries

Setting Expectations When Receiving an MRI Scan In College Park

Patients who have never experienced an MRI scan before and are interested in understanding specific details around the process, please review the following considerations:

  • You will be required to lie still within a cylindrical tube, which is the magnetic portion of the device.
  • The cylindrical tube that you have an obligation to lie within is minuscule and may cause you to feel a bit claustrophobic. If you suffer from anxiety when enclosed in small spaces, please let your Chiropractor know before entering the cylindrical tube.
  • You may be given a different agent to help identify specific areas within your spinal anatomy.
  • Depending on the extent of the scan, the entire process can take up to an hour to complete.
  • During the scan, you will notice a loud humming noise that represents the magnetic field is turned on and off. If you are uncomfortable with loud noises, please ask your Chiropractor for headphones.
  • Before entering the cylindrical tube, your College Park Chiropractor will ask you to remove anything that contains pieces of metal.This includes, but is not limited to wristwatches, piercings, jewelry, hearing aids, and dentures.

MRI Scans For Women Who Are Pregnant

For female patients who suffer from chronic pain and happen to be pregnant, it is important to know that MRIs are completely safe and can be used to monitor the health of your baby.

MRI Scans For Children and Senior Citizens

MRI scans are not appropriate for those who require the use of a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or some other type of implanted device. They are also not suitable for people who have artificial joints or still have medical clips within their body after receiving surgery. If an MRI scan is recommended for a baby or a child, your Chiropractor may suggest issuing a light anesthetic to keep them calm and still throughout the scan.

Receiving an MRI Scan From Our College Park Chiropractors

Our team of Chiropractors offers new and long-time patients a seamless experience when it comes to issuing MRI scans.
If you suffer from chronic pain and have tried other forms of treatment without experiencing long-term relief, the cause of your condition may be rooted deep within the cavities of your spine. In such cases, MRI scans serve as a valuable resource that allows your doctor to pinpoint the specific source of your pain and understand what treatment solution should be used.
You can schedule a free consultation by calling our office 24/7 at (404) 592-0319 or by filling our online submission form. AICA has served the greater College Park community for over 20 years, providing best-in-class treatment solutions that are complemented by our superior service.