Imaging can be useful to help diagnose the problem. Yet, each imaging modality has different pros and cons, so it is important to know which one to get!
X-Rays are the fastest, cheapest, and often most accessible imaging modality. X-Rays do an excellent job showing dense structures - such as a bone or bone-related injury. However, they do a poor job showing soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage) and nerves. This is especially useful in the chiropractic world to show if there is a fracture or dislocation in a bone.
MRI’s, on the other hand, can be expensive, tedious, and time-consuming. However, MRIs show what an x-ray cannot - the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, cartilage. Therefore, MRI is more suitable to diagnose disc herniations, sprain/strain, tendonitis, torn ligaments, pinched nerves, etc.
So don’t be fooled by chiropractors that claim you have a nerve or spinal cord issue based on your x-ray! Make sure your imaging type matches your diagnosis.
**Most insurance companies won’t approve an MRI unless an x-ray is done first - even if it is a soft tissue issue
Want a second opinion on your musculoskeletal health? Give us a call today at (615)-900-5187 or visit our website www.tennesseebackpaincenter.com.
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