5 Tips For Managing Anxiety Before Your Spinal MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a common device that is used to provide doctors with a detailed look inside a person’s body. An MRI uses magnetic waves to produce a high-resolution image of a variety of structures inside the body, including soft tissues that wouldn’t show up on a standard x-ray. However, one of the downsides of undergoing an MRI is that you typically need to lie completely still in a machine with a diameter that can be as small as 2-feet. Sitting still inside a dark enclosure can be anxiety-inducing for many, but you need to find a way to overcome this anxiety in order for the machine to be able to generate a clear image. With that in mind, we wanted to use today’s blog to provide you with some ways to help manage anxiety prior to your spinal MRI.

Managing Anxiety Before Your Spinal MRI

Even if you wouldn’t classify yourself as claustrophobic, lying still within a somewhat tight space can leave you feeling nervous and anxious. MRIs typically take 15-30 minutes to complete, and we don’t want you to be an anxious wreck that whole time. Here are some ways you can work to overcome your anxiety if you are slated to undergo an MRI on your spine.

1. Practice Some Relaxation Techniques Ahead Of Time – Don’t wait until the day of your imaging test to start doing some relaxation or deep breathing exercises. Find a quiet space and practice some relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing to help yourself remain calm. Practicing ahead of time will ensure the techniques are more effective when you need to lean on them.
2. Distractions – Others find it best to pull their attention away from the current situation by distracting their brain. Unfortunately, because metal would interfere with the magnetic waves that are being transmitted from the machine, you’re not going to be able to scroll on your cell phone or listen to your airpods during the imaging exam. However, you may be able wear approved blindfolds and earplugs so that you can pretend you are anywhere but inside an MRI machine. Many facilities may be able to play music or allow you to watch a relaxing scene on a monitor outside of the immediate area, so talk with your doctor to see how they help patients stay relaxed throughout the imaging exam.
3. Focus On The Why – If you focus on why you’re doing what you’re doing, it can make the situation less intimidating. You are undergoing an MRI to figure out what’s going on in your spine so that you can pursue the most effective treatment plan and reduce or eliminate your back pain for good. Remind yourself why you’re going through with the MRI and try to see the light at the end of the tunnel while you’re in the dark.
4. Consider Medication – You’ll want to run it by your doctor, but they may be able to prescribe medication or administer a short-term sedative if you know that you’re going to have a tough time remaining calm in the MRI machine. Your doctor will want you to be as comfortable as possible, so let them know about your anxiety and talk about some solutions to see if medication may help ease your anxiety during the scan.
5. Bring Support – Finally, bring someone with you to your MRI appointment. It will be much easier to go through with the MRI knowing someone you love is just a few steps away. They can also help to take your mind off the scan on the drive to the clinic or while you’re in the waiting room. Talk with friends or family and see if someone will accompany you to your appointment if you’re nervous.

You have nothing to fear from an MRI scan, but we understand how the conditions can sometimes make patients a little nervous. We’ll do everything we can to ease this anxiety and complete your scan as quickly as possible. For more information, or to talk to a specialist about getting imaging results taken, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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