What to Expect During a Neck or Back MRI

After learning you need a back or neck MRI, you’re undoubtedly thinking ahead to your procedure and wondering what the process is like. At LA MRI Center Inc., here in the vibrant Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, we understand that many patients experience anxiety before MRIs.

We provide comprehensive care before, during, and after your MRI so you don’t have to worry. But, not worrying isn’t enough. We want you to feel confident, comfortable, and well-prepared. That starts with this blog. Read on to learn about the neck and back MRI process.

Before your MRI

Body piercings take time and special tools to remove. It's very important that before your MRI you remove all body piercings that you have; earrings, nose, ear, etc.

We will not be able to scan you with certain piercings.

Be aware that tattoo's ink contains metals. We only scan tattoos that are 4 weeks old.

On the day of your MRI, we provide a private room where you can change into an exam gown. At that time, we ask that you remove:

• Jewelry (including body piercings)
• Underwire bras
• Hearing aids
• Removable dentures 
• Eyeglasses
• Cosmetics (some makeup contains metal particles)

Please remove anything from your body that contains metal.

We understand that many people have metal within their bodies that they can’t remove and it's extremely important that you let us know if you have any metal object implanted in your body, for example, a pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator, artificial joint, dental implants, or silver dental fillings.

We'll review these in conjunction with our Medical Director. In most cases, you can still have an MRI, but we’re vigilant about double-checking metals to make sure you’re safe.    

During your MRI

The MRI machine is a large magnet. For a back or neck MRI, you lie flat on a special treatment table. 

Traditional MRI machines are typically large tunnels that fully encase your body, which many people find unpleasant and claustrophobic.

We use the state-of-the-art Hitachi Airis II™ open MRI machine. It doesn’t fully enclose your body like traditional MRI machines do. This makes for a far more comfortable experience. It avoids that cramped and enclosed feeling that many people get with regular MRIs. 

We provide a pair of earplugs to block out the clicking noises from the machine, but open MRIs are much quieter than traditional MRIs.

Your MRI technician, located in the next room, uses high-tech controls to operate the machine. You can communicate with your tech anytime during your procedure, and they monitor your well-being constantly. 

If you feel uneasy, your technician can pause the scan. Throughout the procedure, they let you know what’s happening. The process ranges from 30-60 minutes. You can resume normal activities immediately after. 

Following your MRI, our radiologists interpret your scan and send an in-depth report to your referring doctor. 

Comfortable and stress-free MRIs in LA

At LA MRI Center, we’re committed to comfortable, non-claustrophobic MRIs for all. Your back or neck MRI can yield important information about your health, so don’t delay scheduling it. Call our office or request your appointment online today.