Different types of MRI machines for disc issues in neck and back?

Hi @libertyusa, I’ve had several MRIs from head to tailbone which take anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours. I was also very claustrophobic and dreaded that first MRI! I couldn’t imagine surviving. ☺️ They have all been in the ‘closed’ tube. But it isn’t really closed. It is open on both ends.

I’m no longer bothered by the process but I can’t lie still for that long without wiggling! What helped me the most with the first one, was Ativan (lorazepam), a mild anti anxiety med. Ask your provider for a prescription. It comes in very small .5mg tabs. I was instructed to take 1 tab, an hour before the appt. Then another when I arrived.
The Ativan really took care of any anxiety I had about being claustrophobic. I was so relaxed (almost asleep) through the entire process. With my subsequent MRIs I’ve only taken small amount just to help me remain still.

During the imaging, if you ever want the technician to stop, all you have to do is let them know. You’re in constant communication with the tech via Ear buds. They ask frequently how you’re doing. Some facilities have a little squeeze ball you hold onto and if you have any qualms you squeeze the ball, the tech stops the scan!
They are also really nice about walking you through the process. They want you to know that they come immediately to help you get up if needed. From what I’ve learned, more of their patients are claustrophobic than not! Let the techs know because they spend extra time in reassuring you.

Have you considered a mild relaxant?

What do you have to do to get a dr to agree to a mri I desperately need one. I have back. Neck, shoulder arm and complete leg pain I was only offered a back x ray the other day by the worst rheumatologist. But I am seeing a new one next month.

My husband and I drove 6 hours to Sioux Falls, SD to get my neck MRI in an open/upright scanner. It was awesome. They’ve reduced the noise and I could watch a massive TV in front of me! I’m severely claustrophobic…in this machine, I started to fall asleep! The image was good enough for a diagnosis of chronic severe foraminal stenosis throughout my neck. Good luck on your journey!

In my experience it’s insurance driven they have to do X-ray as first step

Well my rheumatologist from hell the other day who could have cared less only offered a x ray of my back. Let's just forget the pain in my neck, shoulders, upper back and legs he said I could move my neck fine that was his answer. Even though he acknowledged I had pain and tenderness throughout my entire body. Now I have to wait over a month to see another rheumatologist. And I can say when my son started seeing his neurologist he did a mri right away and continues to do and even egg. He's a excellent doctor that's the difference I'm in excruciating pain every moment of the day. Only relief is when I'm asleep. I don't think that's right

Thank you I have had several MRIs over the years.
I am aware one can take "sedative" - but then I feel I have no
"control". My problem is not only claustrophobia (my diagnosis), but the fact it is very difficult to get up from a prone position - I sort of have to "adjust" my back. I know they will help me, but lying down for 30 min. is very difficult.
I have slept in a living room chair for a year now. MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE THAN A BED and I feel better getting up in the morning. So Q. is: are the MRIs any good where you do not lie down (in an open or closed)?
I realize for serious brain (etc.) surgery, one must do closed. (No doctor has told me to not sleep in a sitting position in liv. rm. chair. I use airplane pillow for neck and put feet on a foot stool. I rarely move in this position during sleeping. People wonder if this damages my back.)

Sounds so good - like that worked very well for you.
I have a specific Q. for anyone:
Can we rate MRI machines re "effectiveness"?
1 - Closed MRI is most effective??? (I understand the magnet is much larger?) The noise is not a big problem for me. It is the AWFUL CONFINEMENT even if I have an "escape" button to push.
2 - Open MRI is "good"
3 - Sitting MRI "less good"???
4 Standing MRI " ???? "
I understand one wears some head gear with sitting - that is OK with me.
Again, a prone position would make it VERY difficult to lay still; and difficult to get up while my back re-adjusts.

Appreciate everyone's responses. (I understand neck can cause problems with back. I exercise my muscles, but my
back gets "tired" so walking is not fun. The muscles "seize" up and sitting down for 5-10 minutes gives me tremendous relief. I do have periods when I can walk for 10-15 minutes or more - that is getting better over the years (I think!?) Want to mention I have had 2 TKRs in past 7 yrs. They were not difficult and are basically OK (EXCEPT nerve was clipped in one and leg has been semi-numb and a bit "UNCOORDINATED" since). But I am noticing some balance issues in past year - do not know what from. (TKRs? neck? back?) I cannot walk a straight line (one foot in front of the other - although I can play Pickleball a little awkwardly - but it is becoming harder due to balance and back). I will return to P.T. , but they give SO MANY exercises. I am in pretty good health overall, but am trying to maximize. Thank you again.....

What is your treatment for the stenosis?

So sorry. I have never had a doctor do that to me. I live in the Tucson area. Do you have a Primary care physician? Mine has always been agreeable to send me for one when I asked.

I have had several MRI scans. Here is how I do it; I hope this can help. A washcloth they are supposed to give you over the eyes, before you go in the tube. I would freak out, if I looked around inside there. A foam wedge pillow under my knees, and a blanket over me. A wonderful Russian women doctor who was getting her U.S. credentials figured this out for me. The young male American resident couldn't have cared less.