Q1: When should I consider getting an MRI for neck pain?
MRI is recommended if you experience:

• Persistent neck pain not responding to physiotherapy or medication

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or hands

• Pain limiting work, sports, or daily activities

MRI provides high-resolution, radiation-free imaging of cervical discs, spinal cord, nerves, ligaments, and bones, revealing causes such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or ligament injury that X-rays cannot detect.

Q2: When should I consider MRI for back pain?
Back pain that persists despite conservative treatments, or is accompanied by:

• Sciatica or leg weakness

• Loss of bladder or bowel control (red flag)

• Severe pain affecting work or hobbies

MRI allows detailed visualization of discs, nerve roots, ligaments, and vertebrae. It is superior to X-rays, CT, and ultrasound because it shows soft tissue and nerve involvement clearly.

Q3: Why is MRI important for shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain may result from:

• Rotator cuff or tendon tears

• Ligament injuries

• Labral or cartilage damage

Physical exams or X-rays often miss soft tissue injuries. MRI provides comprehensive, radiation-free imaging, ensuring accurate diagnosis and preventing prolonged dysfunction. Early MRI is crucial if pain limits sports, work, or daily activities.

Q4: When should I get an MRI for knee pain?
Knee pain, especially when associated with:

• Swelling, instability, locking, or catching

• Persistent pain despite therapy

• Sports or trauma-related injury

MRI detects ligament tears (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), meniscus injuries, cartilage damage, and early osteoarthritis. It is far superior to X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for soft tissue and internal knee structures.

Q5: Where can I get fast, affordable MRI for these musculoskeletal issues in Singapore?
The Pain Relief Clinic offers insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, completed within 1 working day. Non-surgical treatments are available alongside MRI, helping restore function and relieve pain safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary delays.