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What to Expect during an MRI

When it comes to a serious injury, doctors will normally order an MRI. However, MRIs can be long, and you may be unaware of what to expect. At 1st Health, we prioritize you and want you to have a comfortable MRI. But first, what is an MRI?

What is an MRI?

An MRI is magnetic resonance imaging. This is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body.

MRIs use a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues in your body. Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets. When you lie inside an MRI machine, the magnetic field temporarily realigns water molecules in your body. Radio waves and atoms produce faint signals, which are used to create cross-sectional MRI images. It can also produce 3D images that can be viewed from different angles.

How to Prepare

When you arrive, we will confirm basic personal information and then give you a safety checklist. Prior to coming to the appointment, you should eat normally and take your usual medications, unless instructed otherwise. You will now change into a gown and remove:

  • Jewelry
  • Hairpins
  • Glasses
  • Clothing
  • Personal items (phones, wallet, keys)

Once you are about to start the procedure, you will lie down on a moveable table. The MRI looks like a long narrow tube with both ends open. You will lie down inside, and a technologist will monitor you from another room, but you will have a way to contact them if needed.

An MRI can last from 15 minutes to an hour. They can feel long, but you must hold still throughout the entire procedure.

The Results

Once completed, a radiologist will read and interpret your images. The doctor will then proceed to plan and build a report to share with you.

Your doctor should then follow up with you and develop a treatment plan based on your diagnosis.

Schedule with 1st Health

If you need an MRI, 1st Health is here to help you. We want to make this process easy and comfortable. Contact us today.

Therapeutic Modalities

When going through chiropractic adjustments and working with soft tissue, it may need additional treatments that are not surgical in nature. These treatments and methods are called therapeutic modalities. These treatments can be things like electrical stimulation, physical therapy, or even icing the bothersome area.

There are different types of therapeutic modalities that you can use depending on the injury you are struggling with. We have a few listed below as well as their benefits so you can optimize your treatments moving forward.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is the act of using a cold temperature in the sudden and severe points of an injury. This is typically used in the form of an ice pack and is used to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Moist Heat

Moist heat can be used to help promote circulation and cut down on muscle spasms. A moist heat pack can be particularly helpful in an office setting where your main focus should be work and not the pain you are experiencing. Heat can increase the metabolic rate of your cells and improve range of motion.

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are well known for their use in tracking a pregnancy’s progress. They can also however be therapeutic. Thermal ultrasounds can assist in increasing blood flow and reducing joint stiffness and muscle spasm. These benefits can be very important for the healing process.

Electric Muscular Stimulation

Tens units have recently hit the scene for pain management and physical therapy. But how exactly do they work, and why are they so beneficial? Electro pads are applied to the skin over the injured area. The stimulation coming through the pads will slowly increase until the patient is comfortable. It doesn’t feel like an electric shock, but more like a soft buzzing of the muscle. This act reduces muscle spasms and general pain.

If you have experienced a car accident or traumatic event, and would like to seek nonsurgical treatment, contact 1st Health Inc today to schedule a consultation.