Posts Tagged ‘chronic back pain’
New “Open MRI” Technology
See the full interview with Phyllis Newfield
New “Open MRI” technologies have been introduced to the market and now persons suffering from chronic back pain or spinal stenosis, lumbar stenosis, low back pain, sciatica, and virtually all other types of back pain can be evaluated by an MRI without having to climb into a claustrophobic cylinder. The new “Open MRI” scans the patient while he or she is standing.
p>I can personally attest as a sciatica sufferer myself that one of the things I most fear is getting an MRI. I mean I truly dread it even though I know it provides invaluable diagnosis of my back problems. And I don’t even suffer from claustrophobia, but it still makes me seriously stress out. This is truly good news!
What exactly is an Open MRI?
Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Open MRI) is an advanced diagnostic imaging procedure that creates detailed images of internal bodily structures without the use of ionized radiation (x-rays). Open MRI is able to produce these detailed images through the use of a powerful magnet, radiowaves and a computer. MRI can assist physicians in detecting and diagnosing diseases or other abnormalities in very early stages.
INSIGHT IMAGING is dedicated to the emerging technology of low-field, patient-friendly magnetic resonance imaging systems. Claustrophobic, obese and pediatric patients, along with those suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome, are often able to comfortably undergo MRI examinations in these “open architecture” systems while failing to tolerate traditional “closed” MRI systems. Open systems are quieter and more comfortable for patients. Open MRI systems are rapidly becoming a preferred choice for many healthcare consumers.
This new “Open MRI” is fully covered by most health insurers at no additional cost vs. the older “traditional” MRI technology used all other imaging centers.
Stand Up or Sit Down and Watch TV during your Open MRI scan!
Fear of claustrophobia or being squeezed into a tube is non-existent in the totally open MRI scanner.
http://www.washingtonopenmri.com
High Field Stand-Up MRI vs. the Traditional Open MRI
Washington Open MRI now has the revolutionary high field full-body Open MRI scanner that can scan back pain patients in the sitting or standing position.
The new Stand-Up Open MRI technology allows you to watch TV during your Open MRI scan!
Fear of claustrophobia or being squeezed into a tube is non-existent in the totally open MRI scanner.
The world’s Patient-Friendly scanner available at Washington Open MRI’s Stand-Up Open-MRI centers.
This technological breakthrough is second to none in the MRI imaging world, and fully reimbursed by all insurance carriers at no additional cost to the patient.
The revolutionary open MRI scanner features the only MRI-compatible, motorized, multi-positional, patient positioning system, which has been engineered to be fully functional Inside the scanner’s magnetic field. It can position the patient for the full range of conventional “lie-down” MRI scanning, or upright for weight-bearing studies. The full length of the spine can be imaged in the normal weight-bearing posture, even with the patient touching their toes for full flexion images of the lumbar spine. Unusual patient positions that are impossible on conventional “lie-down” MRI scanners are routine on Washington Open MRI’s new Stand-Up Open MRI.
The patient positioning system is tilted back slightly in order to stabilize the patient and avoid body motion during stand-up scanning. Patients can be positioned facing the poles, which enables a large range of motion for scans of the shoulder. Scans can also be obtained with lateral flexion of the lumbar spine NO OTHER MRI can perform this diagnostic procedure.This new Stand-Up Open MRI is based on FONAR’s proven high-field technology, and FONAR is the PATENT HOLDER for MRI scanning technology – all others license this proprietary technology fror their MRI equipment. So who do you think will always be at “the cutting edge”.The combination of the transaxial magnetic field and any of FONAR’s array of high signal-to-noise solenoidal surface coils is one of the key reasons why the new Stand-Up Open MRI is second-to-none in image quality. And as FONAR is the patent-holder of this technology Its full range of advanced software features and state-of-the-art pulse sequences provide unparalleled diagnostic precision.
In Modern Medicine…
Often an upright position is the only position in which the patient’s issues can be diagnosed. Certain cardiovascular and neurological disorders can only be properly diagnosed when the patient is upright. The same is true of the GI tract and the spine and joints, including the upper and lower back, neck, hips, knees and ankles. With the revolutionary MRI’s unparalleled ability to “see” soft tissues, Stand-Up Open MRI gives physicians a more global view of pathology and its impact on function.
From the perspective of medicine, Stand-Up Open MRI provides a dramatic view of the body’s interior. For the first time, Washington Open MRI brings to the medical practice the newfound ability to see all the body’s organs and tissues in their normal position of function – upright.
For more information visit us on the web at:
http://www.washingtonopenmri.com
Published by Relief For Back Pain
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Why not consider the world’s most advanced Open MRI …
Why not consider the world’s most advanced Open MRI for your next MRI scan? This technology accepted by all major insurance companies. The newest and best technology at no extra cost to YOU, the patient!
The World’s First High Field Stand-Up Open MRI that can scan you …
President/CEO of Washington Open MRI The World’s Most Advanced High-Field Open MRI Would you trust your health to a diagnostic tool that is the product of “older technology”? Multiple locations serving the Washington DC, Baltimore, …
Why Pediatric MRI should not use sedation for everyone – BEST OPEN MRI
blog for: BEST OPEN MRI. title: Why Pediatric MRI should not use sedation for everyone. Preview: Some facilities insist on using general anesthesia for sedation for their pediatric patients. Our scanners have new technology called BLADE …
InBusiness » Business Health Care » Advanced diagnosis: technology …
St. Anthony’s in Crown Point boasts similar imaging technology, including its own 64-slice CT and multiple MRIs, including the latest in open MRI technology. The new 83000-square-foot, $38 million Franciscan Point campus “includes all …
Cartilage imaging needs 2mm thick sections – BEST OPEN MRI
Submit Your Comment. Of course we can see the dermoid cyst much better with MRI than with any other technique. It is up to your ophthalmologist to decide if he wants it with the best technology! BEST OPEN MRI, July 06, 2009 …
Access Sports Medicine MRI garners national accreditation …
EXETER — A new open MRI machine at Access Open MRI Center at Access Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics makes it possible for people who need MRIs exams of their spine and musculoskeletal areas, to rest in an open pavilion during the scan. … It also allows the MRI technologist who conducts the scan at Access to have immediate contact with the treating physician if there are questions about the scan or patient, Bronson said. The idea to bring the technology to…
Lower Back Pain Rehab
Free Back Pain Video and eBook
Lower back pain is a condition that affects nearly everyone at some point or another in their lifetime. Low back pain will interfere with work, daily activities or hobbies and recreation.
Interestingly money in the U.S. tops 50 billion dollars a year to diagnose and treat lower back pain. Back pain is the second most common neurological condition in the U.S. and is the most common cause of job related disability and leading contributor to missed work.
Lower back pain comes as an acute problem which is short term and lasts only a few days to a few weeks or chronic pain, which is measured as lasting more than 3 months and can be progressive.
The treatment for low back pain usually incorporates the use of non-invasive recommendations and usually doesn’t involve surgery. Rehabilitation with a physical therapy will involve the use of analgesics or pain medications, protocols to help reduce inflammation, restore proper function and strength. Most patients will recover without any residual functional loss.
There are several things that a patient can do at home to start caring for their back. The first is NOT to stay in bed all day. Bed rest used to be the treatment of choice but now physicians and physical therapists understand that by resting the back completely patients are allowing the muscles to stiffen which makes the pain even worse.
Using ice or heat, although never scientifically proven to quickly resolve low back injury, may help to reduce inflammation or swelling. As soon as possible after an injury an individual should use ice pack over the area. This can be a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Use ice for 20 minutes several times a day for 2 to 3 days. The ice will help to reduce the inflammation.
If the pain and discomfort isn’t reduced after 72 hours you should consult with a physician for treatment protocols that will help to rehabilitate the area so that there is no functional loss in the mobility of the back.
Using warm baths or hot packs after 3 or 4 days will help to relax the muscles and increase the blood flow to the area. Individuals should never sleep with a heating pad which can result in burns and other tissue damage.
Believe it or not exercise is an important aspect of rehabilitation of the lower back muscles, even within one week of the injury. Now, this doesn’t mean Olympian efforts but rather slowly building muscle strength and flexibility. A routine of back-healthy activities should be included each week that will keep the muscles moving and speed the recovery process. These activities will include stretching, swimming, walking and movement therapy to improve coordination.
Yoga is another method of incorporating stretching and strengthening into your exercise routine. At the start of exercising there may be some mild discomfort but this should disappear as the muscles grow stronger and more flexible. If the pain is more than mild or persists for longer than 15 minutes during the exercises then you should stop the activity.
Rehabilitation specialists will also incorporate over the counter medications to help alleviate pain and relax muscles. Sometimes doctors will also use anti-convulsant (anti-seizure) to treat certain kinds of nerve pain. Antidepressants are also used to relieve pain and help with sleep. Opioids are used to treat severe pain but should only be used for short periods of time because they are addictive.
Acupuncture may be used to help relieve pain by inserting thin needles to trigger the release of naturally occurring painkilling molecules. There are current clinical studies being done to measure the effectiveness of this method compared to other more conventional methods that involve the use of chemicals and drugs.
Other treatment modalities may include biofeedback, interventional therapy (injections to block pain), traction, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and ultrasound. All initial treatment modalities attempted are minimally invasive to reduce the risk of unnecessary surgery. But when the most serious cases don’t respond to conventional and alternative therapies then surgery may be considered.
It’s important for the individual to keep doing the exercises even after the pain has resolved. Back pain, although acute the first time, can become chronic if the patient doesn’t take good care of their back.
Published by Relief For Back Pain
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Rehab for the lower back pain or sciatica patient should include natural, safe therapies such as chiropractic care, spinal decompression, muscle massage,low back stretches, and lower back strengthening exercises…
Sciatica – Can You Find Relief?
It typically begins as acute lower back pain and then travels down the back of either lower extremity. When really “fired up”, you may feel a burning pain extending from the back, through your buttocks and down your leg…
Surgery For Low Back Pain: A Review of the Evidence
For nonradicular back pain with common degenerative changes, fusion is no more effective than intensive rehabilitation, but associated with small to moderate benefits compared to standard nonsurgical therapy….
‘Take a seat and make yourself comfortable,’ the receptionist at a prestigious back pain relief rehabilitation clinic told the strong-backed husband of a low back sufferer. He did – in a plush, leather chair whose rounded back defied …
Rehabilitation For Low Back Pain with a Massage Chair
My Original Blog Post: http://dance-wear.tilido.com/wp2/rehabilitation-for-low-back-pain-with-a-massage-chair/). Do you know that 80% of us will have low back pain during our lifetimes. Our spine is very important to our …
How do you fix low back pain from a slipped disc?.
Hopefully after this series of posts, you’ll be a little less confused about what’s probably one of the most confusing aspects of low back pain: the famous….
Massage Chairs Help Rehabilitation For Low Back Pain
Low back pain can come from disease, injury and even stress. Even slight discomfort may be signs of needing attention. Healing and rehabilitation are important to restore and maintain the vitality of the spine and its soft tissues.
http://www.linkfacts.com/l.php?l=16709
Disc Degeneration
Free Back Pain Video and eBook
Low back pain can sometimes be traced back to a degenerative disc problem in the spinal column. In order to understand why the pain happens it’s first important to understand how the spinal column is formed. The spinal column is a vertical row of small round bones that are interconnected or articulated so that the bone can bend. Through the center of the these round bones runs the spinal cord which is a bundle of nerves that travels from the base of the brain out to the rest of the body. The spinal column protects the cord and gives the body flexibility and mobility.
Between each of the round bones, called vertebrae, are soft discs. These discs are there to cushion the motion between the bones so there isn’t bone rubbing on bone during motion.
Degenerative changes to the spinal column are common and the intervertebral discs are one structure that is prone to those changes. They are associated with wear and tear, aging and misuse such as smoking. Long before any changes might be evident on imaging studies there are biochemical and structural changes that may seem to be similar to osteoarthritis.
The term degenerative disc disease refers to the changes to the discs which causes low back pain. But, despite the rather dramatic label, this condition is very common among individuals. It is estimated that approximately 30% of 30 to 50 year old people will have some degree of degeneration of the disc space. And, after a person reaches age 60 this finding is expected and the exception.
Although the description of degenerative disc disease appears to be straight forward there is some degree of disagreement in the medical community about the description and the implications, especially when x-ray findings indicate changes in a young adult. But, while there is some debate about the disease itself it is known how the changes in the spine cause pain.
Generally the pain that is associated with degenerative disc disease and low back pain are thought to stem from two different factors. These factors are the inflammation from the changes to the disc and abnormal micromotion instability.
When inflammation occurs in the body there is release of chemicals that irritates the musculature which results in spasms of the muscles around the area. If one of the out rings of the disc is damaged or worn it isn’t as effective in resisting motion in the spine. This micromotion instability isn’t associated with gross instability such as a slipped disc but still causes pain or discomfort in the area.
Both the micromotion instability and the inflammation cause muscle spasms in the lower back. As the body attempts to stability the lower back the muscles spasm further creating more pain. This cycle is a reflex of the body and although it isn’t necessary to protect the nerve roots it can also be painful and result in an individual who appears crooked from one area of the back to the next as the muscle spasms pull the back out of alignment.
Published by Relief For Back Pain
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With time and repeated episodes of pain and degenerative changes which occur in the discs and facet joints, the back can become stiff and develop chronic back pain. Gravity tends to force fluid out of the disc under load and is …
Many a times sudden movements can cause back pain. There is the risk of spinal disc herniation and spinal disc degeneration disease. The other probable causes could be trauma, cancer, osteoporosis, infection, injury and inflammatory … .
Neck Solutions » Aging of the cervical spine
Patients who developed neck pain and stiff shoulder during 10 years demonstrated significantly more frequent progression of structural disc degeneration on MRI.
Symptoms of Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
Chronic low back pain may be a sign of lumbar degenerative disc disease. Symptoms of this common condition include lower back pain & numbness or tingling in the legs.
Surgical procedures are also part of lower back pain treatments. Surgery may be required to treat problems related to degenerative spinal discs and problems related to spinal alignment.
A Little Ignorance Regarding Back Pain Can Spell Doom For You
If you are concerned with learning about general “Back Pain ” information or “Back Pain Accupuncture” or even other related subjects like “Back Pain Doctor”, or “Degenerative Disk Disease”, this article will clearly throw some …
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