Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Route Would An MRI Tell Us What Is The Cause Of The Pain?
Question: I seek your advice on concerning the following questions: if there has been a back injury following an accident, and an x-ray examination fails to indicate the cause of the continuing pain, I have two questions.
First, by what route would an MRI tell us what is the cause of the pain?
Secondly, if an an MRI tells us what is the cause of the pain, will that knowledge be sufficient to tell us what to do to stop the pain? That is, should we be treating pain management as a separate issue)?
Here is the context. Soon after I had the accident nearly 4 months ago, there has been serious pain. There have been doctors visits, treatment with basic painkillers and enhanced painkillers, as well as muscle relaxants and physiotherapy. Yet, the pain had gotten even worse.
The accident happened when I tried to catch a falling object weighing close to 100 pounds. About one week later I began to feel pain in the lower part of my spine and the entire right leg especially around the joints. A subsequent Xray shows that the entire pelvic area is normal, and the lab. the report (based on the Xray) suggested that an MRI be done to pinpoint the exact cause of the cause of the pain.
At present I feel pain in the pelvic area when I blow my nose, sneeze or cough. As I find the pain almost intolerable, I seek an immediate remedy, and thus I look forward to your advice.
First, by what route would an MRI tell us what is the cause of the pain?
Secondly, if an an MRI tells us what is the cause of the pain, will that knowledge be sufficient to tell us what to do to stop the pain? That is, should we be treating pain management as a separate issue)?
Here is the context. Soon after I had the accident nearly 4 months ago, there has been serious pain. There have been doctors visits, treatment with basic painkillers and enhanced painkillers, as well as muscle relaxants and physiotherapy. Yet, the pain had gotten even worse.
The accident happened when I tried to catch a falling object weighing close to 100 pounds. About one week later I began to feel pain in the lower part of my spine and the entire right leg especially around the joints. A subsequent Xray shows that the entire pelvic area is normal, and the lab. the report (based on the Xray) suggested that an MRI be done to pinpoint the exact cause of the cause of the pain.
At present I feel pain in the pelvic area when I blow my nose, sneeze or cough. As I find the pain almost intolerable, I seek an immediate remedy, and thus I look forward to your advice.
Brief Answer:
MRI scan will help in detecting cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.
From the history provided it seems that there has been a stress injury in the spine that has affected your nerves. There is no direct injury to the spine area.
An X-ray tells us about any bony abnormality. Since there is no direct external injury to the back, all your bones are intact. Now MRI scan is done to detect ant soft tissue injury, spinal cord injury or nerve related compression or concussion injury.
In case the cause is identified after MRI scan, the treatment of the cause will be easier. Only pain management gives a symptomatic relief without changing the pathology.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
MRI scan will help in detecting cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.
From the history provided it seems that there has been a stress injury in the spine that has affected your nerves. There is no direct injury to the spine area.
An X-ray tells us about any bony abnormality. Since there is no direct external injury to the back, all your bones are intact. Now MRI scan is done to detect ant soft tissue injury, spinal cord injury or nerve related compression or concussion injury.
In case the cause is identified after MRI scan, the treatment of the cause will be easier. Only pain management gives a symptomatic relief without changing the pathology.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Many thanks, Dr. Tayal. You have answered the question precisely and helpfully. I may have a follow-up question over the next day or so.
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
I am happy to help.
Do consult again if needed.
Thanks.
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
I am happy to help.
Do consult again if needed.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Saisudha Kotla
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
