Chiropractors and spine specialists utilize spinal imaging through X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to figure out what is causing back problems and pain. Imaging is common. Whether chiropractic or spinal surgery, they help immensely discover back issues and allow the individual to see what is happening. Types of cases include back pain that:
X-rays for back pain can be quite helpful. An X-ray is radiation-based and is used to examine the conditions of the bone structures. X-rays are optimal for bone tissue or tissues that are ossified or calcified. They work the best with hard tissues, specifically bones. Soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, or intravertebral discs do not present as well.
Individuals undergoing a back X-ray will be scanned by a machine that generates a beam. A receiver picks registers the beam after it passes through the body and generates an image. It takes around five minutes to complete but could be longer depending on the doctor’s number of images. X-rays are helpful for insurance purposes and rule out bone conditions like compression fractures and/or bone spurs. X-rays are ordered for specific reasons and are often part of a whole-body diagnostic study. This includes MRI and/or CT scan.
CT Scan
CT stands for computed tomography. It is a series of X-rays that are digitized into images using a computer. The advantage of a CT scan to standard X-rays is that it offers different views/angles of the body and can be in 3D. CT scans are most often used in trauma cases or individuals who have had surgery. They take around five minutes. For X-rays, individuals stand up or lay under the X-ray machine as it scans the body. A CT scan has the individual lie down in a circular donut-looking machine that scans while rotating during the imaging. Individuals are recommended to wear casual loose, comfortable clothing. Sometimes a dye, or intravenous contrast, is used to get the vascular tissues to stand out, generating clearer images.
MRI
MRI is short for magnetic resonance imaging. MRIs use magnets to generate images. MRI imaging is often used in individuals that have undergone surgery. They take longer, usually around 30 to 45 minutes. No metallic objects are allowed in the MRI. Patients are asked to remove items like belts, jewelry, etc. Contrast dye can be a part of an MRI. The machine is like a tunnel. This can become challenging for individuals that have claustrophobia. Consult with a doctor and find out how to get comfortable during the process.
Other Forms of Spinal Imaging
Other forms of imaging include:
CT navigation
CT navigation shows real-time CT scans during the procedure.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy involves an X-ray beam that passes directly through the body that shows live, moving images.
Both of these types of spinal imaging are utilized during surgeries. For some cases, intraoperative imaging is used. This type of imaging uses high-tech robotics to help surgeons navigate through tight spaces during the procedure. This increases the surgeon’s accuracy and reduces the size of the incision.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can be used for spinal conditions. This is an imaging test that uses sound waves to generate images. However, the imaging tests which are used in spinal imaging are primarily X-rays and MRIs.
Imaging Appointment
Talk with your doctor or chiropractor ahead of time to understand what to expect during the imaging process. They will let you know how to prepare and any special instructions before the appointment. Along with medical history and a physical examination, spinal imaging is an important part of the diagnostic process to find what is causing the pain and to develop the best treatment plan.
Body Composition
Short-term Effects of Coffee and Blood Pressure
The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant or substance that excites the body’s systems. When caffeine is ingested, individuals experience an increase in excitement, specifically in the cardiovascular system. This excitement causes the heart rate and blood pressure to rise and then lower back to a baseline level for healthy individuals. Coffee slightly increases short-term blood pressure. Moderate coffee consumption is safe for individuals that do not have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
References
United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (May 2021) “Doses in Our Daily Lives” https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/doses-daily-lives.html
X-Ray for Back Pain: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. (April 2009) “What is the role of imaging in acute low back pain?” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697333/
Dr. Alex Jimenez collaborates with top rated diagnosticians and imaging specialists. We are blessed to have in our association, imaging specialists that provide fast, courteous & premiere board certified specialists. In collaboration with our offices we can provide the quality of service our patients mandate and deserve.
Who We Are
Diagnostic Outpatient Imaging (DOI) is a state-of-the-art Radiology center in El Paso, TX. It is the only center of its kind in El Paso, owned and operated by a Radiologist.
This means when you come to DOI for a radiologic exam, every detail, from the design of the rooms, the choice of the equipment, the hand-picked technologists, and the software which runs the office, is carefully chosen or designed by the Radiologist and not by an accountant.
Our market niche is one center of excellence. Our values related to patient care are: We believe in treating patients the way we would treat our family and we will do our best to ensure that you have a good experience at our clinic.
Dear Doctors,
We are pleased to inform you of the arrival of our Titan 3-Tesla MRI at Diagnostic Outpatient Imaging. This is El Paso’s only radiology imaging center that offers this technology. Patients do not always realize how important image quality is: It can make the difference in the diagnosis.
3-Tesla MRI is like HD TV and once you try it, you will not want to go back. The increased magnet strength gives us many benefits at no additional expense to the patient. It gives us the ability to scan faster or to scan with higher detail. An MRI of the brain can take 20 minutes and have exceptional quality, or we can perform the scan in less time, with better quality that is achieved on most 1.5 Tesla “high field” MRIs. This is incredibly useful for children.
Our 3T MRI can perform Diffusion Tensor Imaging, MRI Spectroscopy and CSF flow studies to name just a few of its possibilities.
This scanner is not only very fast, it is very large. Our open MRI has a clearance of 35 cm. The 3T has a diameter of 71 cm! This is welcome news for nervous or claustrophobic patients, and combined with its speed, it can actually eliminate the need for sedation for some patients. 3T MRI is faster, clearer, and has more diagnostic possibilities. We are certain you and your patients will notice the difference.
Our Services
MRI’s:
DOI has three MRI’s under one roof. All are American College of Radiology (ACR) Certified.
Good
Open MRI (0.35 Tesla): This MRI perfect for claustrophobic and very large patients. There is no table weight limit on this MRI
Better
High Field 1.5 Tesla MRI- This is a eight channel MRI with high end image quality. It is in a beautiful room and has ‘pianissimo’ technology, which makes the MRI relatively quiet. This machine has been the best MRI in private practice in El Paso for years. It will soon be eclipsed by our new 3.0 Tesla MRI.
Best
High Field 3.0 Tesla MRI- This is the only 3.0 Tesla MRI in private practice in El Paso. This technology can deliver stunning image quality, which can actually make a difference in your diagnosis. The increased magnet strength gives us many benefits at no additional expense to the patient.�??It gives us the ability to scan faster, or to scan with higher detail. This is welcome news for nervous or claustrophobic patients, and as well as for children as it can actually eliminate the need for sedation in some patients. 3T is faster, clearer, more diagnostic for a better for MRI. It is like HD TV. Once you have tried it, you won’t want to go back. This MRI effectively doubles our MRI capacity. If needed most exams can be completed in under 5 minutes, instead of the normal 30-45 minutes.
Breast MRI:
DOI began Breast MRI in July 2007, being the first facility in El Paso to perform the exam. We have now performed over 2500 breast MRI’s and many MRI-guided breast biopsies. All have been interpreted and/or performed by Dr. Boushka, making him the most experienced radiologist in the city with this exam. This is the most powerful tool for the detection of Breast cancer to date.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 7 am to 9 pm Friday 7 am to 5 pm Saturday 8 am to 4 pm
Prostate MRI:
Guys, you need great medical care also. We are the only facility in El Paso performing this leading edge exam. MRI can see cancers when other imaging methods cannot. Not only can we see prostate cancers with MRI, we can perform MRI-guided prostate biopies for pathologic (definitive) diagnosis.
Monday to Thursday 7 am to 9 pm Friday 7 am to 5 pm Saturday 8 am to 4 pm
CT:
We have a 16 slice Toshiba Aquillion CT scanner, with newly updated in Dec 2013. The upgrade allows for reduced X-ray dose, higher resolution, more patient comfort, shorter breath holds and doubles the speed of the scanner. This scanner performs CT X-ray exams as helical volume acquisitions in 3D from a single patient exam. Most exams are finished in under 60 seconds, unless delayed images with contrast are indicated. Additionally we have a powerful 3D post processing workstation.
Hours Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm
Ultrasound:
DOI has just doubled our Ultrasound capacity with newly purchased Philips 34 XRL scanner. We have Three certified Ultrasonographers with cumulative experience of 45 years. We are confident you will find them professional and compassionate. Beverly Bruner RDMS, Sonographer, formally of Desert Imaging has joined our team.
3D OB Ultrasounds:
You better believe it. Available whenever our US department is open. No referral necessary. Images are reviewed by an actual radiologist.
Ultrasound Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8 am to 5 pm Wednesday 8 am to 8 pm Friday 8 am to 5 pm Saturday 8 am to 12 pm
Digital Mammography
DOI was the first facility in El Paso to acquire Hologic Full Field Digital Mammography and thus we have more experience with this technology than any facility in El Paso. Our Mammographer has 20 years of experience and has her own following of patents who seek her out to perform their mammograms because of her excellent and compassionate care. Our private pay screening mammography price of $90, including the interpretation is an unbeaten price in El Paso.
Hours Mon – Fri 8am to 4pm Extended hours Wednesday until 8pm) Saturdays 8am to 12pm
Bone Denisity (DEXA)
We have a brand new, Hologic Discovery CI bone densitometer scanner. This is the latest technology.
X-Ray
Our digital computed radiography was just updated February 2014. No appointments are necessary.
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