You should expect to spend 20-45 minutes lying flat and allowing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine to perform scans of your spine if you need to get an MRI for a herniated disc after a car accident in Florida.
A Florida car accident lawyer can give you more information about MRIs and your eligibility for compensation after a crash. The party responsible for your collision may need to cover the costs of all of your medical bills, including those associated with your MRI and other diagnostic tests.
What Should You Expect When You Get an MRI for a Herniated Disc After a Crash in Florida?
If your doctor schedules an MRI to determine if you have a herniated disc after a motor vehicle collision, you should expect to spend around 20-45 minutes going through the procedure. During the procedures, you’ll likely need to lie flat on a table that will slide you into the MRI.
During the MRI, you should expect to hear loud tapping or thumping sounds. If these noises bother you, your doctor may provide headphones or earplugs.
Should You Expect Pain During an MRI?
MRI scans themselves are painless. However, you may expect some discomfort or pain based on the severity of your potentially herniated disc. Lying in one position for an extended period can sometimes irritate this medical condition.
You can discuss concerns about pain management during the procedure with your doctor.
What Should You Expect as You Prepare for an MRI?
Your doctor will give you specific information about what to expect in the lead-up to your MRI because these instructions can vary based on the type of diagnostic procedure you require.
For example, in most cases, you will not have to fast before getting an MRI. However, if your physician wants to add a contrast agent to boost the clarity of the image, you may need to fast before the procedure.
You should also expect to remove any metallic items (like jewelry or piercings) before getting an MRI. The magnet used by the machine could interact with metals in negative ways, so you should take this preparation seriously. An attorney can tell you more about what you should expect when getting an MRI for a herniated disc after a car crash in Florida.
Why Would You Need an MRI for a Herniated Disc?
MRIs are one of the primary diagnostic tools available to doctors who believe a patient has a herniated disc. Therefore, you may need to get one if your doctor believes that a car accident left you with this condition.
Your doctor may also order other diagnostic tests to rule out other potential issues with your back. For example, you may need to complete X-rays or a CT scan after an accident. The precise tests that you need will depend on the orders given by your medical provider.
What Should You Expect After Getting an MRI?
You should expect your doctor to generate a treatment plan for your herniated disc if an MRI confirms the condition. In many cases, doctors focus on conservative treatment options that involve pain medications and adjusting your habits to avoid movements that trigger your pain. Your doctor may tell you to take:
- Nonprescription pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen
- Neuropathic medications like gabapentin and pregabalin
- Muscle relaxers
In some cases, doctors even prescribe injections around your spinal nerves. In addition to medications, a doctor may recommend that you complete a physical therapy program.
In some rare cases, your doctor may consider surgery. In most cases, you do not need surgery to handle a herniated disc, but this treatment may become necessary if your symptoms don’t improve over six weeks, and if you have:
- Weakness and numbness
- Difficulties walking or standing
- Significant pain
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
You can discuss your treatment plan with your doctor.
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Who Will Pay for Your MRI After a Car Accident in Florida?
In many cases, the party responsible for the car accident that caused your herniated disc will need to cover all of your medical expenses, including the costs of an MRI or other diagnostic tests.
The liable party may have to cover other expenses, including your lost wages, pain, emotional distress, and property repairs.
Talk to Us if You Have a Herniated Disc Caused by a Florida Car Accident
So, what should you expect when getting an MRI for a herniated disc after a car accident in Florida? You should expect to go in for your procedure, spend potentially 45 minutes going through the medical process, and then get information about your condition.
If your crash resulted in a herniated disc and other injuries, you may qualify for compensation from the at-fault driver. Our team at Blakeley Law Firm can help you file a claim to get the money you need to move forward, so reach out to us now.
