Which is better at determining the cause of neck pain? Whether it be nerves or bone or muscular....
2007-05-13 11:20:30 · 4 answers · asked by Eric L 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Most typically, an MRI is the best. It will show the most detail. However, it shows almost TOO MUCH information sometimes, and what is typical with normal aging processes can sometimes be misinterpreted as a source of pain. This would include mild disc bulging, degenerative discs, osteophytes, etc. However, I highly recommend an exam by a physical therapist who is trained in MDT (mechanical diagnosis and therapy) to see if your MRI results CORRELATE with your SYMPTOMS.
However, in most cases, you do not even need to have an MRI prior to seeing the PT. If the results of your PT eval were inconclusive, then perhaps I would go for an MRI. At $5,000 a pop, you better make sure the MRI is warranted.
Call your local PT office and ask for a PT with MDT experience, or go to www.mckenziemdt.org for a list of credentialed providers.
2007-05-13 11:54:49 · answer #1 · answered by mistify 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An MRI would show more detailed pictures which can make the diagnosis easier as long as the person reading it knows what to look for with the pain that you are having. A CT scans are normally used for people that come into the emergency room and they don't take as much time (because they are less detailed) so if there is life threatening problems they can be treated faster. Also CT's are used for people like me who have metal inside of them (I have a Spinal Cord Stimulator which is a bunch of metal inside me), or for some other reason are unable to have an MRI, CT scans are usually less expensive because they are less detailed. Not all things can be determined by a CT or MRI, but they can help if you have a bulging disk etc.
2007-05-13 14:54:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best solution I have found for people with neck problems is to see a chiropractor. They will do an xray and with their experience with spinal problems they will be able to tell you what is causing your problem. A chiropractic exam is going to cost very little compared to expensive medical examinations. I've enclosed a link where you can find a chiropractor in your area.
2007-05-13 13:14:31 · answer #3 · answered by Cherokee Billie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
UPRIGHT MRI is the Best Imaging for the NECK & Spine type in on site search NECK http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/upright_mri
2007-05-13 19:05:27 · answer #4 · answered by Beverly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋