Magnetic Resonance Images are produced using two natural, harmless forces - magnetic fields and radio waves.  With the use of computers, information from your scan is made into two-dimensional pictures of the body allowing physicians to provide an accurate diagnosis of your medical condition.  MRI exams are painless and have no known side effects.  Images created by the MRI scanner are similar to an X-ray, but they MRI process can "see" through hard bone to the soft tissues in your body like muscles and internal organs.  These images are very precise showing differences between normal and abnormal tissues.  No special preparation is required prior to an MRI exam.  You may eat normally and go about your daily routine.  Continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor unless otherwise directed.