Do MRI scans show absolutely everything that'... - Pain Concern
Do MRI scans show absolutely everything that's happening in a back or can they miss things?
No they don't, and yes they can miss things,and if you move, they can end up a bit blurred. And not only can the MRI miss things, but the radiologist could also miss seeing things that the MRI does actually show. Its not an exact science and relies on both interpretation, and on the right MRI sequences being used to adequately show up the type of tissue they are looking at, so for example things like blood vessels or nerves might be seen on one type of sequence, bones on another, and inflammation on another. MRIs are also "slices" of image, taken about 6 mm apart (1/4 inch), so theoretically, if something was less than that size it could be missed as it might fall in between slices.
But, having said that, the referring doctor will usually indicate what they are looking for, the technicians will usually do the right sequences to see that, and the reporting radiologist will be looking for what the referring doctor was asking about. If it is reported as not showing anything, it can be worth asking for another doctor to have a look at it, or for your specialist to actually look at the images WITH the radiologist and discuss it as they look- that can sometimes get a whole heap more information from an MRI,though it takes a lot more time than the usual very quick reporting.
In addition to all that, there are some things where a different type of imaging works a whole lot better at viewing the problem - for example plain film xrays can show up some bony stuff that is actually harder to see on MRI, ultrasounds of some areas (like heels or hands) can show up active inflammation easier than an MRI, and in some cases a CT scan is required as it gives a much better 3-d picture of the area (though does carry a massive amount more radiation.
No easy answers there, but if it doesn't show what was expected, then definitely ask for someone to review the images.
I had a "light up" bone scan... also MRI and CT scan.
The light up bone scan showed inflammation or places
that had any activity going on in the bones.. (YIKES) They
found some tiny fractures that I didn't even know I had
and yet no osteoporosis on a regular bone scan for that
in particular. I was in so many sports that it doesn't surprise
me at all. I had pain beyond what I ever told anyone in
those days.
Of those, which is best when your back is really hurting
and the MRI says wear and tare , the CT scan says inflammation
and so does the bone scan but no one is addressing
that spot.. mid upper back. Can they still miss something??
Earthwitch has some very good advice and points, I had an MRI for excruciating lower back pain,down my leg and into heel, when I went for my next appointment for Phsio the MRI had been reported on by an outside agency, (someone in India in my case) and said no abnormalities or injuries found, negative. The Phsio proceeded to lay me on my front, which was and still is very painful and push down and massage my lower back, apparently they heard the scream in the reception four doors away.A Dr stuck his head in the door and had a look at the scan, he saw 3 ruptured discs, nerve impingement,and no visible disc at the L5- S1 level.I guess my message is, find out who reports your scans, ask to be shown and talked through the findings,if you feel that something has been missed, you are quite entitled to another opinion. Good luck.
from what i have had over many years they are as good as the operator with my back which i damaged many years ago now the x rays showed nothing then MRI showed my back was broke in three places and next MRI showed damage in a completely different area i cannot remember how many lots of x ray's and MRI's i have had but i have never had two in a row that were the same. i believe that they can help towards getting an idea what is wrong but they cannot be relied on 100%
Here is a lovely article that points out some of the difficulties of identifying things in imaging: npr.org/blogs/health/2013/0...
MRI does not report on muscle tension. So muscle tension issues that cause pain are highly likely not to be picked up.
An example is the slight tilt of the head which leads to sciatica in a number of cases. You would not pick that up in an MRI scan. The spinal reflexes located in the neck influence muscle behaviour in the lower back which applies pressure on the sciatica nerve.
The other one is tight leg muscles which cause the lower vertebra to apply pressure on a root nerve with the result that the legs can temporary loss there strength.
Non of the above will show up on X-rays or MRI scans.
Hope this helps
Hi John. I've read your post and the third paragraph seems very similar to what I have been experiencing. Could you tell me more about how tight calf/leg muscles can cause the lower vertebrae to apply pressure on a route nerve resulting in temporary loss of leg strength. Is this something that you have experienced personally and if so, how was it diagnosed and what was the treatment. What is the medical term for the condition. Many thanks.
Thanks for the reply. This not an area that a medical consultant will diagnose as far as I know.
I know about the problem from personal experience of it. When I see my McTimony chiropractor once every six weeks I have the muscles in my legs stretched. This solved the problem to a large extent of the strength in my legs suddenly going. The chiropractor showed me how the tight leg muscles pulled on my lower vertebrate causing the problem I was experiencing at the time.
This is is a difficult area. Many things are subtle. It requires personal investigation to determine if this is the solution for you or not. Much medical diagnosis is based on what some researcher found on a sample of people. The mean result of the research is accepted as truth. What is not realised that there is often no mention of results that are off the mean and show something different.
Research is based on words that can describe something that can be understood by others. The body has internal states that cannot be described and as such cannot be talked about.
Have a look at:
I do not agree with everything here, but it does cover a lot of ground.
Another site to have a look at is:
This gives another take on pain and posture and muscles which many people find helpful.
henrytang.wordpress.com/201...
I use a multitude of techniques to deal with my pain issues.
McTimomy Chiropractic, Alexander Technique, Mindfulness and meditation, T'ai Chi. I have used stretching exercises when needed.
Nothing is simple and definite. I only know my own experience. I have beliefs which appear to be true, but they must always be tested for accuracy for the situation someone finds themselves in.
Hope this helps.
Many thanks John for taking the time to reply so comprehensively.
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