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If you’re experiencing frequent pain and inflammation in your bones, joints or muscles, you might be dealing with a musculoskeletal disorder. You’re not alone \u2014 these disorders can be quite common, especially as you get older or perform repetitive movements.<\/p>\n
Like many medical conditions, treating a musculoskeletal disorder requires an accurate diagnosis. Luckily, there are many imaging tests available to help your medical provider identify the issue. From there, they can help you determine the right treatment path to alleviate pain and improve strength and movement.<\/p>\n
If you’re seeking relief from a bone- or muscle-related condition, continue reading for a list of musculoskeletal disorders, causes, symptoms, imaging techniques and treatment methods.<\/p>\n
A musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is a broad term describing an injury or impairment in one of these areas:<\/p>\n
Some common types of MSDs include:<\/p>\n
Because MSDs encompass a wide range of conditions, people can experience a variety of symptoms. Pain is one of the earliest indicators, but it varies by person and condition. Someone might experience pain in a particular region, while another might have pain throughout the body.\u00a0Some common MSD symptoms<\/a>\u00a0include:<\/p>\n MSDs often stem from repetitive movement or workplace injuries. There may be a\u00a0genetic factor involved<\/a>\u00a0in conditions like arthritis. However, MSDs are typically related to the following factors:<\/p>\n When an MSD develops, factors like poor dietary habits, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can aggravate the condition.<\/p>\n Your healthcare provider may order one or more imaging tests to examine your bones, joints and muscles more closely. The type of imaging test suggested will primarily depend on what they believe the condition is. Below are some imaging techniques for common musculoskeletal disorders.<\/p>\n An\u00a0x-ray is usually the first type of imaging<\/a>\u00a0a medical provider will order when they believe a patient has an MSD. X-rays use electromagnetic waves to produce images.<\/p>\n The picture’s clarity depends on how well the waves pass through the bone or organ. Bones tend to absorb these waves more effectively than soft tissues and muscles. Your healthcare provider might order a stress x-ray to determine the amount of damage to a joint, which involves moving or positioning the joint at multiple angles.<\/p>\n A\u00a0computerized tomography (CT) scan<\/a>\u00a0uses multiple x-ray views captured from different angles. Modern scanners can provide 3D images of structures.<\/p>\n During a CT scan, you’ll lie flat on a table that moves through a donut-shaped tube. The tube will move around your body, collecting images from various angles. In some cases,\u00a0contrast dye is used<\/a>\u00a0to make irregularities more visible.<\/p>\n Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)<\/a>\u00a0involves magnetic fields and radio waves to collect images within the body. You’ll lie still while moving through a long, tube-shaped machine. Some patients find\u00a0enclosed MRI tubes anxiety-inducing<\/a>\u00a0and opt for open MRI scanners instead.<\/p>\n An MRI generates 3D images resembling cross-sections inside of the body. Unlike an x-ray, it can capture muscle and soft tissue images clearly. However, this technique isn’t suitable for people with implants, pacemakers or metal plates since it uses magnets.<\/p>\n A dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry\u00a0(DEXA) scan measures bone density<\/a>\u00a0and mass with x-ray imaging. It’s often used to diagnose conditions causing bone loss, like osteoporosis. DEXA scans can also assess fat and muscle mass.<\/p>\n A DEXA scan normally takes up to 30 minutes. You lie flat on a table while a scanner passes over you from above. It uses two types of x-ray beams to capture images.<\/p>\n An\u00a0MRI arthrogram<\/a>\u00a0takes images of the inside of a joint. A technologist injects contrast dye into the joint, then moves the joint in different positions while taking pictures. An arthrogram allows them to identify joint-related issues that standard imaging might have missed. Doctors often order arthrograms for patients with unexplained joint problems, like loss of motion or painful movement.<\/p>\n A possible concern with arthrograms is that some patients might be allergic to the dye. If you know you’re allergic to any common ingredients in the dye or you’ve previously had a reaction to contrast dye, let your medical provider know. They may perform a different type of imaging test instead.<\/p>\n Ultrasounds and sonograms<\/a>\u00a0use sound waves to take images of the inside of the body. They’re great at capturing soft tissues, muscles and ligaments. An ultrasound is especially helpful for pinpointing signs of inflammation and swelling. Many people associate ultrasounds and sonograms with pregnancy, but they can also diagnose MSDs.<\/p>\n Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan upon diagnosing an MSD. Depending on the severity, this can include:<\/p>\n You can also help prevent MSDs by developing the following habits:<\/p>\n If you think you might have a musculoskeletal disorder, our team at Health Images in Colorado can assist you. With our state-of-the-art equipment, personalized service, knowledgeable staff and world-class diagnostic imaging, we can provide the customized care and accurate results needed to address the problem.<\/p>\n Whatever type of imaging technique you require, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed.\u00a0Find your nearest Health Images location<\/a>\u00a0to request an x-ray, MRI, CT scan or other diagnostic imaging today.<\/p>\n\n
What causes MSDs?<\/h2>\n
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Imaging tests for diagnosing MSDs<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n1. X-ray<\/h3>\n
2. CT scan<\/h3>\n
3. MRI<\/h3>\n
4. DEXA scan<\/h3>\n
5. Arthrogram<\/h3>\n
6. Ultrasound<\/h3>\n
Musculoskeletal disorder treatment options<\/h2>\n
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Request an imaging test at Health Images<\/h2>\n
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