To MRI or not to MRI?

[Georgios]

I slipped my L5 vertebrae last Sunday. A week later my doctor is telling me to go for a MRI scan. The question I have is will the MRI scan pick up any issues a week later? I don't have the pain or spasms any longer and I believe the vertebrae has shifted back into place. I don't really want to spend R7k on the scan when I should of done the scan almost immediately.

 

[Radioboy]

If it is infact a slipped disc/vertebrae it will show up. The MRI will also show possible cord compression.

When it comes to your spine.... rather be safe than sorry. Injuries like these have a nasty habbit of showing up years later with a vengeance if left untreated.

 

[Georgios]

If it is infact a slipped disc/vertebrae it will show up. The MRI will also show possible cord compression.

When it comes to your spine.... rather be safe than sorry. Injuries like these have a nasty habbit of showing up years later with a vengeance if left untreated.

Thanks radioboy. I took x-rays and it indeed did slip. However now a week later im fine. So a slipped vertebrae may not show up on the scan. Compression of the disc will come up I'm sure. So is it still worthwhile to do the scan?

Worst part is my physio says the opposite to what my doctor says. Because the slippage has been classified as a grade 1 the physio says no intervention required. The doc says to stop physio immediately and see a specialist. Rather frustrating

 

[maumau]

Don't mess with your back. Have the MRI. Aren't you on medical aid?

 

[Arthur]

Don't mess with your back. Have the MRI. Aren't you on medical aid?

+1 Wise words from maumau.

 

[dunkyd]

Never see a Doc for a back. Neuro only.
I had a little accident in 75. Needed a fusion in 85.
Needed next joints fused in 11.
Dont bugger around !!

 

[Stevi]

Back issues have a nasty habit of popping up later in life.
Do the MRI for piece of mind and to find any possible injury. Rather be safe than sorry

 

[WAslayer]

as someone with a chronic back condition, get the mri done and do whatever else is required to get you back in tip top shape.. the last thing you want is to sit with back issues for the rest of your life.. heck, if i had tons of dosh just laying around, i would gladly cover all your associated medical costs in this regards.. this is how much i do not wish back issues onto anyone..

 

[GoB]

I second what maumau said in exactly the opposite manner...

Don't mess with your back - let it heal naturally over years and avoid chiro's and spine surgeons. Surgery is an absolute last resort even at grade 3 slipped discs - spine surgeons will advise the opposite.

You can get the MRI to 'know' - pain and detected injuries don't correlate, so it won't change the fact that you don't need surgery.

 

[OCP]

I slipped a disc 5 years ago - was down for 12 days not able to move.
2 different Dr's told me surgery was the recommended option which I did not agree with.
8 months of Physio later I was back to normal and now being more careful + excising better my back is stronger than before the injury.

Just like with cesareans - the Dr's are way to keen to open you up these days

 

[igi]

Just do it

 

[Georgios]

Sorry for disappearing everyone. Been a busy few weeks. I had the MRI done. Went and saw the specialist. He recommended to me to try other methods before surgery. Physio and bio. Because it's a grade 1 it is not severe. Recommendations are to lose more weight and get my core strong.