Why You Should Have Medical Imaging Following a Personal Injury

In the initial aftermath of an accident, it's normal to feel a little overwhelmed. You might be so relieved to walk away from the accident that you forget to make sure you're okay.

Or, you might think you don't need medical imaging, especially if you’re not in pain. However, some injuries take days to show symptoms, making prompt imaging essential. At LA MRI Center, Inc. in Koreatown, Los Angeles, California, we offer advanced MRI scans to detect internal damage early. 

Our open MRI machines are comfortable, anti-claustrophobic, and much quieter than traditional machines. We provide quick scheduling and fast results so you can move forward with treatment or legal claims without delay. 

Why early imaging matters

Some injuries don’t cause immediate pain, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t serious. Whiplash, the most common auto accident injury, is a perfect example. 

Whiplash occurs when a sudden impact, often from a rear-end collision, forces your neck to jerk forward and backward rapidly. This abrupt motion can strain your muscles, ligaments, and nerves.

Whiplash can cause severe pain and stiffness, but, in many cases, the effects aren't immediate. Symptoms may take as long as a few weeks to appear, often surprising victims long after their accident.

Without imaging, hidden injuries like muscle tears, spinal misalignment, or nerve damage can go undiagnosed. These injuries are best treated early, but without imaging, you might not know they exist until the damage becomes severe. This could lead to chronic pain or long-term mobility issues.

An MRI provides a detailed look at your soft tissues, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, making it one of the most effective tools for identifying hidden injuries.

Problems a post-accident MRI can detect

An MRI can provide crucial information, helping your doctor diagnose:

Whiplash

As mentioned above, a post-accident MRI can detect whiplash, which can involve damage to any of the soft tissues in your neck.

Fractures

MRIs can detect other injuries even before routine imaging exams. For example, did you know that small, hairline fractures might not appear on initial X-rays? 

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) explains that stress fractures might not appear on X-rays until weeks after your injury, making an MRI the best option for early detection.

Spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries may cause only mild discomfort at first but can progress into permanent nerve damage if untreated. Early MRI scans catch these conditions before they become irreversible.

MRIs can also detect serious, potentially life-threatening problems after accidents, such as internal bleeding and swelling.

A post-accident MRI at LA MRI Center Inc. can help detect hidden injuries before they become serious, so don't delay. Schedule your MRI today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.