MRI vs ct scan

[springchicken]

I apologize if this has popped up in another thread before… I tried to do a search on MRI but could not. I went to see a doctor for pain management, who I thought was great. He has scheduled me for an MRI. I was surprised I'm getting an MRI and not a CT scan because it seems like ct scans are more commonly prescribed to people on the forum. Also, when I scheduled the MRI locally, they were surprised that he indicated it would be w/o contrast.

Linda or anyone else familiar with these procedures...would you mind giving me your thoughts? Thanks!

[green m&m]

MRIs are better to find soft tissue issues -- pinched nerve or impinged discs. Though it's odd to me that the doc didn't order with contrast -- it's only really going to cost insurance companies few extra hundred bucks and can pick up stuff that won't show without contrast.

CTs are far better when it's just bone but if there's any concern with soft tissue involvement MRIs are superior.

[springchicken]

Oh great! Thanks so much for the info!