Introduction
An MRI, i.e. magnetic resonance imaging, is an imaging procedure in which the patient is driven in an elongated tube and sectional images of the body are taken. In contrast to a CT or X-ray, MRI does not use X-rays, but a magnetic field that excites hydrogen nuclei in the body’s cells. The ISG (sacroiliac joint) is the joint between the pelvis and spine. Pain often occurs there. The resulting sectional images produced by the MRI allow the anatomy and disease-related changes to be determined.
Indications for an MRI of the sacroiliac joint
An MRI is often used to diagnose pain in the lower back or pelvis because it provides reliable images of the soft tissues, i.e. muscles, tendons, fatty tissue, organs and bones. Do you have pain in your lower back or pelvis? Diagnoses such as sacroiliitis or ISG arthrosis can be diagnosed by MRI.
The MRI is not always the first choice, more often a CT (computed tomography) is performed. However, since an MRI works without harmful X-rays, it is often used in children or pregnant women. Since an MRI also provides a better image of the muscles and soft tissue than a CT, the intervertebral discs, muscles and spinal cord can be better visualized.
MRI can be used to diagnose diagnoses such as sacroiliitis or ISG arthrosis. The MRI is not always the first choice, more often a CT (computed tomography) is performed. However, since an MRI works without harmful X-rays, it is often used in children or pregnant women. Since an MRI also provides a better image of the muscles and soft tissue than a CT, the intervertebral discs, muscles and spinal cord can be better visualized.
Sacroiliitis
Sacroiliitis is an inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. It often occurs in the context of other, particularly rheumatic, diseases, such as M. Bechterew, M. Behcet, M. Reiter (so-called Reiter syndrome). The ISG connects the pelvic vane (Os Ilium) with the lower part of the spine, the sacrum (OS sacrum).
In sacrolitis, pain in the lower back is one of the symptoms, which occurs mainly at night and in the morning after getting up. As a rule, there is an improvement in the course of the morning (starting pain). Often both sides are affected.
The diagnosis is made by means of an MRI of the ISG. Treatment is carried out with anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication as well as physiotherapy. You want to do something about your back pain yourself?