Tips for Staying Comfortable During Your MRI

If your doctor has ordered an MRI, it’s normal to feel a little uneasy about the experience. Lying still inside a scanner while it makes loud knocking sounds isn’t something most people do every day. The good news is that a few simple steps can make your scan feel calmer, quicker, and more comfortable.

At Crown Imaging, we’ve helped patients across Dallas and nearby communities like Irving feel at ease during their MRI since 2002. Here are our best tips for staying comfortable before and during your scan.

Why Comfort Matters During an MRI

Staying comfortable isn’t just about having a better experience. MRI images are clearest when you hold still, and it’s much easier to stay still when you feel relaxed. A calm, comfortable patient often means a smoother scan and clearer images for your doctor to review.

Before Your MRI

1. Know What to Expect

Much of the nervousness people feel before an MRI comes from not knowing what will happen. Learning the basics ahead of time, like how long you’ll be in the scanner and what each stage of the visit looks like, can take a lot of the worry away. Our guide on how long an MRI takes and what to expect walks you through the full timeline.

It can also help to understand why your doctor ordered the scan. Our article on what an MRI can show explains how doctors use MRI to get a closer look at the brain, spine, joints, and other soft tissues. If you have questions about your specific exam, your doctor is the best person to ask.

2. Follow Your Preparation Instructions

Following your preparation instructions helps your visit go smoothly and keeps you from feeling rushed. For a full checklist, see our step-by-step guide to preparing for an MRI. If anything is unclear, call our team before your appointment.

3. Dress for Comfort

Wear soft, loose-fitting clothes without metal zippers, snaps, or buttons. Leave jewelry, watches, and other metal accessories at home if you can. You may be asked to change into a gown, but starting out in comfortable clothing helps you feel more relaxed from the moment you arrive.

4. Tell Us If You Feel Anxious in Enclosed Spaces

If small spaces make you nervous, let our team know when you schedule. That gives us a chance to talk through what to expect and answer your questions. It’s also a good idea to mention it to your doctor, who can discuss options that may help you feel more at ease.

Some patients wonder whether an open MRI would be a better fit. Our article on open MRI vs. closed MRI covers the pros and cons of each so you can have an informed conversation with your doctor.

5. Give Yourself Extra Time

Rushing to an appointment can leave you feeling stressed before the scan even begins. Plan to arrive a little early so you have time to check in, use the restroom, ask questions, and settle in.

During Your MRI

6. Get Comfortable Before the Scan Starts

Before your scan begins, take a moment to make sure you’re in a position you can hold. If something feels awkward, such as your neck, back, or knees, tell your technologist. Small adjustments made before the scan starts are much easier than trying to shift once imaging is underway.

7. Expect the Noise

MRI machines make loud knocking, tapping, and buzzing sounds while they capture images. These noises are completely normal and simply mean the scanner is working. Ask your technologist about ear protection before your exam begins. Knowing the sounds are coming makes them much less startling.

8. Use Slow, Steady Breathing

Slow breathing is one of the simplest ways to calm your body. Try breathing in through your nose for a count of four, holding gently for a moment, and then breathing out slowly. Repeating this pattern can help you feel steadier throughout your scan. Your technologist may give you specific breathing instructions for certain exams, so follow those when they’re given.

9. Close Your Eyes and Let Your Mind Wander

Many patients find it helpful to close their eyes before the table moves into the scanner and keep them closed until the scan is done. Then give your mind something pleasant to focus on. You might picture a favorite place, walk through a familiar route in your head, plan a meal, or mentally replay a favorite song or movie.

10. Remember You’re Never Alone

Your MRI technologist stays nearby throughout your entire exam and can hear you the whole time. They’ll keep you updated on your progress and let you know how much longer you have. If you feel uncomfortable or need something, just speak up.

11. Focus on One Sequence at a Time

An MRI is made up of several shorter image sets rather than one long scan. Instead of thinking about the total exam time, focus on getting through one sequence at a time. Short breaks between the noise are a good moment to relax your shoulders and take a slow breath.

After Your MRI

Once your scan is complete, most patients can return to their normal activities right away unless their doctor says otherwise. A radiologist will review your images and send a report to your doctor, who will go over the results with you.

Comfortable, Affordable MRI at Crown Imaging

At Crown Imaging, we believe a high-quality scan should come with a relaxing experience. As a family-owned imaging center, we take the time to explain each step, answer your questions, and help you feel at ease. Our MRI services include two 1.5T MRI machines, onsite radiologist reads, and same-day appointments.

We’re located in Dallas and proudly serve patients from across the area, including those looking for an MRI scan near Irving, TX. We also offer affordable cash-pay imaging prices for patients who prefer to pay directly.

Have a physician’s order for an MRI? Call us at 972-759-5140 or request an appointment online today.