Nociscan MR spectroscopy is a cutting-edge, evidence-backed non-invasive imaging test that works alongside traditional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
While conventional MRI techniques can provide crucial structural information, they often fall short in pinpointing the actual source of pain – especially in cases of chronic lower back pain.
Nociscan fills this gap by providing detailed insights into the chemical make-up and structural integrity of tissues in the body, particularly within the spine. This allows our physicians to distinguish between painful and non-painful spinal discs, and provide our patients with more accurate diagnoses.
It answers questions such as “Does my disc cause my back pain?”, “How damaged is the disc?”.
Nociscan uses an MRI scanner to produce detailed images of the body’s internal structures by analysing the chemical changes within tissues. However, its key advantage comes through its ability to differentiate between discs that are damaged and causing pain, and those that are damaged but not painful.
Understanding this difference is essential for accurately diagnosing conditions related to chronic back pain, while also ensuring patients receive more tailored treatment plans.
Nociscan MR spectroscopy is completely painless, doesn’t involve any radiation and doesn’t require any anaesthesia, making it safe for everyone to use, including children and pregnant women.
By using it as a diagnostic tool, our radiologists can obtain crucial information to not only diagnose and treat many painful lower back conditions but also deliver improved outcomes to all our patients.
Is MR spectroscopy the same as an MRI scan?
No, MRI spectroscopy is not the same as a standard MRI scan.
While both use MRI technology, an MRI scan provides detailed images of the body’s internal structures, whereas MR spectroscopy focuses on the chemical composition of tissues.
In effect, MR spectroscopy provides an additional layer of information for our radiologists to use when assessing specific metabolites in certain tissues. This information can be crucial when identifying specific abnormalities that may not always be clear when using an MRI scan by itself.
