Should I book a private MRI?

[Paddingtonthebear]

Has anyone done this? Is it worth it? I can’t see there is any chance of getting one on the NHS? I have long term back and neck pain (10 years plus) which is getting worse and is especially worse in the morning (wakes me up). Have had blood tests recently and nothing there to report except slight Vit D deficiency. Due to speak to GP again this week and I think the best I can hope for is a rheumatology referral but I’ve had one before several years ago , it took months and ultimately I didn’t get any answers. I’m thinking I would need a 2 or 3 part MRI which would cost between £500-£600. I can use some savings for this.

The issue is more what you'll do with the report. It will Sneed's to be reviewed by a specialist for onwards treatment. Do you plan on seeing a private consultant afterwards?

They say

A member of our medical team will give you a call to discuss your scan results and what you need to do next.
In some cases, you may be directed to your GP, if so we’ll provide you with everything you need for the follow-up consultation

I am hoping in the meantime that my GP will refer me to nhs rheumatologist, the appointment waiting time will be weeks and weeks no doubt. If I have the private mri and the report shows something that needs addressing I could will know by the time I see the NHS rheumatologist and that’s a cost they won’t have to absorb

What are you thinking the MRI will tell you? possibly just normal wear and tear? The solution might be physio,pilaties,yoga, Mindfulness etc ...?

Well this is the thing. I’ve had physio, I’ve done Pilates. I’ve seen a chiro and an osteo. They say it needs a scan to determine since I’m not responding to anything. This is over a 10 year period, rather than a pulled muscle or whatever.

It could be arthritis or an autoimmune disease, or a disc problem. Who knows. I wish would mindfulness would solve the problem though 😂