That’s how long an MRI for a herniated disc takes

In contrast to other imaging procedures such as CT, X-ray or even sonography (ultrasound), the MRI is an examination that takes a little longer. Most MRI examinations are done within twenty to thirty minutes. In the case of an MRI for a slipped disc, the examination can take longer if, for example, the entire spine is to be imaged.

If, on the other hand, only the thoracic spine is scanned, the examination is usually completed more quickly. Since the MRI takes images at a distance of millimetres, you must lie absolutely still during the examination. If the person being examined is restless, some images may have to be repeated due to camera shake. This can also extend the examination by a few minutes.

Contrast medium necessary?

An MRI examination can generally be performed with or without the administration of a special contrast medium. However, the administration of such a contrast agent is not necessary for the confirmation of the suspected diagnosis “herniated disc”. With the help of the contrast medium, only inflammatory changes or tumors in the area of the spine can be shown.

A magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) can be performed with or without contrast medium in the course of the diagnosis of a suspected herniated disc. In this context, however, it must be noted that an MRI without contrast agent is perfectly adequate for the assessment of individual spinal segments (including the intervertebral discs). An MRI with contrast medium is only considered useful in the diagnosis of a herniated disc if other causes for the development of the symptoms are to be excluded.

In particular, inflammatory processes in the spinal column and tumors can be safely excluded by an MRI with contrast medium. The reason for this is the fact that the contrast medium administered via the venous vessels accumulates more in the area of inflammation and tumours. Affected areas therefore appear clearly stained in the individual sectional images and can thus be identified without difficulty. The intervertebral discs themselves, on the other hand, usually do not absorb contrast medium even in the presence of a herniated disc. For this reason, the preparation of an MRI without contrast medium is in most cases completely sufficient to confirm the diagnosis of a herniated disc.

Injecting a herniated disc under MRI

In the case of a herniated disc, an injection can be given for symptomatic therapy. This usually involves the injection of a local anaesthetic (a local anaesthetic) where the disc irritates nerves in the spinal cord. In addition, some cortisone is often added, which can virtually shrink the intervertebral disc.

As a result, the herniated disc puts less pressure on the nerves, which can relieve the discomfort. In order to ensure that the injection hits exactly the right spot, the injection is usually carried out under an imaging control. This can be a sonography (ultrasound) if visibility is good.

If the herniated disc cannot be adequately visualized with ultrasound, the injection is performed under MRI control. On the MRI image is first planned on which way the herniated disc will be injected. Afterwards, MRI images can be taken repeatedly even while the needle is being inserted, so that the position of the injection needle can always be checked.