MR Elastography now at Star Imaging, Bund Garden. MRE assesses the entire liver and detects fibrosis at an earlier stage than any other imaging method.
You’re lifting weights in the gym, you let your attention wander for a minute and ouch! You feel a sharp twinge in your shoulder, which, you know, is anything but good news. Welcome to the world of shoulder trouble. With some rest, your shoulder pain should hopefully get better, but if it doesn’t, when would you need a shoulder MRI? Read on to find out.
Is your shoulder pain getting worse over time, or getting better?
Generally, rotator cuff injuries are the most common cause of shoulder pain and the majority of rotator cuff issues stem from degeneration or attrition due to old age. These cases do not call for surgery and generally improve with physical therapy.
But if your shoulder pain is not getting better with rest and conventional treatments (ice, pain medication, physiotherapy), it’s time to seek out the doctor.
In most cases, an orthopedic doctor can diagnose the problem by understanding your symptoms, asking you questions, and by conducting a physical exam. They will generally not ask for an MRI or imaging test at this stage unless you’ve had a serious fall or injury.
4 weeks in and your pain is still not letting you sleep at night?
If your shoulder fails to respond to non-operative treatments and a diagnosis is still unclear, your doctor may recommend a shoulder MRI, a shoulder (digital) X-ray or an ultrasound. These tests may also be necessary if your doctor wishes to further assess a known diagnosis.
Are you scheduled for a shoulder operation?
In this case, your doctor will mostly always ask for a shoulder MRI, (digital) X-ray or other shoulder imaging tests to assess the situation and chart out the best course for surgery.
So, you need a shoulder MRI, what should you expect?
Firstly, don’t worry. A shoulder MRI is a non-invasive, painless scan and doesn’t use radiation either. In some cases, your shoulder MRI may need a contrast dye, which will be injected into your bloodstream through an intravenous line, prior to your scan. This helps the radiologist get a clearer look at the structures within your shoulder. A typical shoulder MRI should take around 12-15 minutes, during which period you will be requested to lie still.
If you’re claustrophobic, you can get significant relief by opting for a 3T MRI machine with an ambient experience that allows you to watch movies, while creating an illusion of more space and light. You may also consider sedation if you suffer from extreme claustrophobia. A word of caution: While scheduling your scan, make sure the MRI machine is a 3T (Tesla) one or higher, to ensure maximum image clarity and a more accurate diagnosis.
For more information on shoulder MRI scans or any other imaging test, reach out to Star Imaging at 020 4132 2222/020 4122 2222. We are Pune’s leading imaging centre for sports injuries.