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Myelogram

Get a Myelogram at Touchstone Medical Imaging

Take charge of your spinal health with a myelogram, an advanced imaging test that provides a detailed look at your spine. Whether you’re experiencing neck, leg, or back pain, or weakness and tingling in your legs, this test can help your doctor find the answers you need to feel your best. At Touchstone Medical Imaging, we prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the myelogram process. Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced team help you receive the highest quality care while gaining valuable insights into your spinal health.

How It Works

A myelogram creates detailed pictures of your spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord, nerve roots, and the fluid-filled space (subarachnoid) between the bones in your spine. A radiologist injects a safe contrast material into the subarachnoid space to outline the spinal cord and nerve roots. Using fluoroscopy, the radiologist can watch the material move in real time, which helps identify any issues that might not be visible on a traditional X-ray, CT or MRI scan.

Find A Touchstone Imaging center offering Myelogram appointments near you!

Reasons for Myelogram

Why you might need a myelogram

Let your doctor know if you experience symptoms such as:

  • Persistent neck, leg, or back pain
  • Weakness and tingling in the legs

A myelogram can help diagnose a variety of conditions, including:

  • Herniated discs, where the cushions, or discs, between the bones of the spine bulge and press on the spinal cord and nerves
  • Infections, such as meningitis, which occur when bacteria or viruses cause the membranes that protect the spinal cord to become inflamed
  • Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal
  • Arthritis in spinal joints or the presence of bone spurs
  • Nerve root abnormalities affecting the blood vessels of the spinal cord
  • Tumors caused by primary or metastasized cancer

If an MRI isn’t an option for you because of pacemakers, surgical screws or other metal or electronic implants, a myelogram may be a good alternative.

Woman biking in the mountains with back pain needs an Myelogram

Patient Reviews

Our patients say it best. Touchstone Imaging provides welcoming, comforting outpatient facilities with friendly and helpful staff.

Front office staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Technician was absolutely wonderful. Extremely friendly, kept me informed during the entire process of what she was doing and what would be happening next.
Tina J.
I had to take my 11-year-old in for an MRI of his knee. It was one of the best experiences we’ve had at a medical office in a long time. Everyone was friendly, informative, and professional.
Jodi E.
I had to get a brain MRI back in November. The check in process was fast and friendly. I didn’t have to wait long before being taken to the back to get prepped for my procedure. The staff made me feel at ease and the environment is very calming and tranquil. The MRI tech checked on me constantly during the procedure and kept me informed as to which part of the exam we are completing. I can’t remember her name but she was very nice and pleasant. If I ever have to get another diagnostic test, I will be returning here.
Brian V.
Everyone was excellent! I was acknowledged and welcomed when I entered the building. Front staff were professional and courteous when discussing paperwork. Friendly smiles. My technician impressed me as being highly trained in her field. Her personal and professional skills are awesome. Enjoyed something I wasn’t looking forward to.
Evangelina B.
Friendly staff. I called and got an appointment that fit my schedule. Quick check in. Relatively short wait time compared to a lot of medical facilities. The technician was friendly, gave clear instructions and made me feel comfortable. I was out in less than an hour.
Wendy B.
Great place, people, and atmosphere was awesome. The guy that brought me to the back had me laughing the whole way. They checked in on me a few times in the MRI machine to make sure I was doing ok and it made me feel more comfortable. I would recommend this place to anyone needing an MRI done.
Jon C.
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Choose accurate imaging and convenient service with Touchstone

Choose answers. Choose clarity. Choose your health. Choose you.

At Touchstone Imaging, you matter. Our myelogram services deliver high-quality imaging at up to 60% less than hospital imaging costs and are covered by 99% of health insurance plans. Skilled technologists and fellowship-trained subspecialty radiologists work together to provide your doctor with the clear, accurate diagnostic information needed for your care.

When something feels off, you do not have to settle for temporary fixes or live with the unknown. Diagnostic imaging offers you real answers so you and your doctor can make confident decisions about your care.

Take the first step towards understanding your spinal health and alleviating your symptoms. Request an appointment for a myelogram today and let our expert team provide you with the clarity you deserve.

Myelogram Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during a myelogram?

After you meet your technologist, you’ll lie down on the X-ray table to receive an anesthetic to numb an injection site along your spine followed by an injection of contrast dye. The injection typically feels like nothing more than slight pressure. If your doctor requests it, we will also collect and send a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid to a laboratory for further testing.

Your technologist may ask you to lie on your side or your stomach, and the X-ray table will be tilted at different angles. This helps the dye move through the spinal canal and makes the nerve roots and spinal cord easier to see on the scan. Next, as you lie face-down on the X-ray table, your technologist will use fluoroscopy to capture a continuous series of detailed X-ray images. Your technologist will ask you to lie as still as possible while taking the radiographs.

Your doctor may also order a CT scan to be performed immediately after the X-rays, while the dye is still in your body. The CT scan provides even more detail about soft tissues, such as root nerves, in the spinal canal.

A myelogram usually takes 30–60 minutes. A CT myelogram, using a CT scan as well as traditional X-rays, may take an extra 15–30 minutes.

One of Touchstone Medical Imaging’s radiologists will study the images taken during your myelogram and send a detailed report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you. Your doctor will advise you about your treatment options and inform you if you need a follow-up scan to further examine any problem areas or track changes in your condition over time.

How should I prepare for my myelogram?

– To help make your appointment go smoothly, you should:
– Arrange for a ride to and from the imaging center.
– Discuss your current medications with your doctor. They may advise you to adjust certain medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and diabetes medicines.
– Stop eating for a specified number of hours before the test.
– Stay hydrated.
– Wear loose clothing that is easy to remove.
– Leave all jewelry at home.
– Please inform your care team if you have any allergies, especially to iodine or contrast materials, or if you are pregnant.

Is a myelogram safe?

Myelograms are considered safe for most people because they use a very low amount of radiation. However, pregnant women should not receive one.

Is a myelogram painful?

It varies person to person. Some patients experience minimal discomfort, while others find the procedure relatively painless. You will likely feel a brief sting from the numbing anesthetic and some pressure when the spinal needle is inserted. The contrast dye can cause a temporary warm or flushed feeling, a metallic taste in your mouth, or mild nausea.

Pain has a source, and understanding it is key to getting the full picture and seeking effective treatment. The team at Touchstone Imaging will do everything to help you feel comfortable throughout the test.

How long does it take to recover from a myelogram?

Full recovery usually takes about 24 hours. After the myelogram, the care team will monitor you for an hour or two before you go home. To help with your recovery, we recommend:

– Resting the remainder of the day, keeping your head slightly elevated with pillows
– Drinking plenty of water to flush the contrast material from your system
– Avoiding strenuous activity and exercise
– Avoiding alcohol and caffeine for at least 24 hours

When will I get my myelogram results?

A radiologist will carefully review your images and send a detailed report to your doctor, usually within a few days. You’ll also receive a text message to view your patient friendly radiology report.

Your doctor will then discuss the results with you, explain what they mean and advise you on the next steps for treatment and care.

*Some or all of the health care providers performing services at Touchstone Imaging are independent contractors and are not Touchstone’s agents or employees. Independent contractors are responsible for their own actions, and Touchstone shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any such independent contractors.