What Patients Don't Understand About MRI
4 min read · Updated August 9th, 2025
As a radiologist, I often meet people who are unsure, anxious, or even hesitant to get an MRI. I can understand where that uncertainty comes from, but I also see the incredible power that MRI has to detect issues early, guide treatment, and ultimately help people feel better.
This post is for you, the patient who's wondering,
My goal is to clear up the most common myths, explain what MRI is in simple terms, and help you feel more confident before you get a scan.
What Is an MRI and Why Should You Care?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves (not radiation) to take detailed images of your body's internal structures. It's especially good at showing soft tissues like muscles, nerves, brain tissue, tendons, and spinal discs.
What makes MRI special is its clarity. X-rays are great for bones. CT scans are good for emergencies. But MRI can catch subtle injuries or conditions that other scans completely miss like small ligament tears, pinched nerves, or cartilage damage. It helps identify the root cause of problems that have often been bothering people for months, or even years. An accurate diagnosis is the first step to real relief.
Five Common MRI Myths—Busted
Let's set the record straight on a few things patients often get wrong about MRI:
- MRI uses harmful radiation. Nope. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, MRI does not use ionizing radiation. It's completely different by using magnets and radiofrequency energy. That's why it's safe even for children and people who need multiple scans.
- If I have metal in my body, I can't get an MRI. Not true for most people. Today's implants (like hip replacements or dental work) are usually MRI-safe. We always do a thorough screening before all scans.
- MRI is too claustrophobic. While older machines were tighter, today's MRI scanners are much more patient-friendly. Our systems are designed with extra space and comfort in mind.
- The tech will tell me if something is wrong. We get it, you want answers fast! But the technologist operating the machine isn't allowed to interpret the results. After your scan, a board-certified radiologist reviews the images and sends a full report typically within a day.
- I don't need one unless I'm seriously ill. Actually, MRIs are often used to rule out problems or confirm something minor before it becomes serious. Delaying imaging can mean missing a treatable issue. Think of MRI as proactive, not reactive, care.
What to Expect During Your MRI
If you've never had an MRI, here's how it works:
You'll lie on a padded table that slowly slides into a circular scanner. You'll hear rhythmic knocking or thumping sounds which are completely normal. We'll give you earplugs or headphones, and you can even listen to music. Most exams take 20 minutes, depending on the body part and the complexity.
You'll be in constant contact with our technologist, who monitors you throughout the exam. If you feel anxious, we can pause or adjust. Our job is to make sure you're safe and comfortable the entire time.
Why Waiting Can Be Risky
One of the biggest mistakes we see? Patients waiting too long.
We've had patients come in after months of unexplained pain or nerve symptoms, only to find something on the MRI that could've been treated much earlier. Delaying an MRI doesn't always save time or money, it may make problems harder to treat.
And even if your MRI turns out normal, that's still valuable information. It can help you rule out serious conditions and steer treatment in the right direction.
At ViableDx, we aim to remove those delays by offering convenient scheduling, minimal wait times, and direct access to high-quality imaging without unnecessary red tape.
Final Takeaway
If an MRI is right for you, don't postpone! It's safe, painless, and often the best way to get real answers. Whether you're dealing with lingering pain, joint issues, or simply seeking peace of mind, MRI can make all the difference.