What Conditions Are Best Evaluated with an Upright MRI
Seeing Your Body in Motion: The Advantage of an Upright MRI
If you’ve ever felt uneasy about lying flat in a traditional MRI machine, or if your doctor needs to see how your body functions while standing or sitting, an upright MRI might be the perfect solution.
At ImageCare Radiology, we offer upright MRI technology that allows you to be scanned in natural, weight-bearing positions—standing, sitting, bending, or reclining. This innovative approach helps physicians see how gravity and posture affect your joints, spine, and soft tissues, providing a clearer picture of what’s really happening inside your body.
What Makes an Upright MRI Different?
Traditional MRIs require patients to lie flat in an enclosed tube, which can be uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing for some people. In contrast, an upright MRI—sometimes called a “stand-up MRI”—is completely open and allows you to remain in a more natural position.
This design isn’t just about comfort; it also provides valuable diagnostic insight. When your body is upright, joints and spine structures bear weight just as they do in everyday life. This allows radiologists to detect issues that might not appear when you’re lying down, leading to more accurate diagnoses.
The Conditions Best Evaluated with an Upright MRI
Because upright MRI scans capture images under the effects of gravity and movement, they are especially useful for evaluating conditions that change or worsen when standing, sitting, or bending.
1. Spine and Back Problems
Upright MRIs are often recommended for people experiencing neck or back pain, herniated discs, or nerve compression. Standing or sitting scans can reveal spinal misalignments or disc bulges that may not appear when lying flat. This is particularly valuable for diagnosing:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebrae)
- Degenerative disc disease
2. Joint Disorders
Weight-bearing imaging is ideal for evaluating joint function and alignment. An Upright MRI can help visualize how pressure affects the knees, hips, and ankles, making it especially useful for:
- Meniscus or ligament injuries
- Early arthritis or cartilage wear
- Post-surgical evaluations
3. Head and Neck Conditions
For some patients, symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or neck strain worsen when upright. Scanning in a seated or standing position can reveal changes in spinal alignment or blood flow that may not appear in a traditional MRI.
4. Athletic and Movement-Related Injuries
Athletes and active individuals often benefit from Upright MRI imaging, which shows how muscles and joints behave in motion or under natural stress. This helps doctors tailor treatment and rehabilitation plans more effectively.
A More Comfortable MRI Experience
Claustrophobia or anxiety is common during standard MRI exams. The open, airy design of the Upright MRI greatly reduces this discomfort. You can even watch TV or communicate with your technologist throughout the exam.
Patients also appreciate that the scan feels less restrictive and allows for more natural breathing and positioning. For individuals who struggle with pain when lying flat—such as those with back injuries or respiratory conditions—this can make a significant difference.
Experience the Difference at ImageCare East Brunswick
At ImageCare Radiology, we believe that your comfort and clarity of diagnosis go hand in hand. Our upright MRI in East Brunswick combines advanced imaging technology with compassionate care, helping your provider see more and helping you feel better throughout the process.
If you’ve been advised to get an MRI and are concerned about comfort, movement, or claustrophobia, an upright MRI may be the ideal solution. Learn more or schedule your appointment today by visiting our stand-up MRI page.
You deserve imaging that fits you—not the other way around.