When we think of radiology, our minds often wander to X-Rays or MRIs. We picture being asked to remove our jewelry, sitting very still, and hearing a cacophony of noises while a strange image is captured. However, the field of radiology has evolved dramatically, and it now serves as both a diagnostic tool and a means for non-surgical, safer interventions. At the forefront of this transformation is Dr. Majedah Barrak Alzanki, a consultant at Taiba Hospital specializing in musculoskeletal, spine intervention, and pain management.
Dr. Majedah’s journey into the world of radiology began with a spark of inspiration during her early career. “Diagnostic radiology is only a report with your image. Even though you help people by diagnosing diseases, you’re out of the scene,” she recalls. “When you contact patients and help them with minimal procedures using a small needle, the significant results and patient appreciation drives me.”
Her passion for pain management is evident in her approach to treating various conditions like disc pain, osteoarthritis, and spondylolisthesis. Dr. Majedah explains these complex issues with clarity: “Discs are normally found between your vertebral bodies to absorb pressure and your weight. When it’s dehydrated, it tears and bulges, compressing the sac containing nerve roots, causing pain.” She continues, “Osteoarthritis can be inflammatory or degenerative, sometimes caused by infection. Spondylolisthesis is the movement of vertebral bodies that results in nerve root compression.”
Dr. Majedah’s patients benefit from cutting-edge treatments such as nucleoplasty, disc fixing, and ozone therapy. “Nucleoplasty and disc fixing are two different tools used for disc degenerative changes. My experience allows me to choose the best approach for each patient’s condition,”she says. “Intramuscular ozone has an excellent effect on sequestrated discs and decreases early degenerative changes with its antiseptic properties.”
One of the most fascinating advancements in her field is the use of radiofrequency ablation to treat benign bone tumors like osteoid osteoma. She explains, “Burning the nidus, the central activity of the tumor, can stop its growth. This is the main idea behind radiofrequency ablation.”
Dr. Majedah’s expertise extends beyond technical skills; her connection with patients is equally important. “When patients come to me, I smile and discuss any concerns they have. Listening to their stories, even those outside our field, makes patients trust and believe in the treatment,” she emphasizes. “Believe me, sometimes patients with mild disc degenerative changes have severe pain, while those with significant changes have mild pain. This is what we call pain threshold, which differs from person to person and affects psychologically.”
The integration of diagnostic and therapeutic expertise has dramatically improved patient outcomes at Taiba Hospital. Dr. Majedah highlights, “When patients come to me, I can diagnose and treat them simultaneously, minimizing radiation exposure and reducing surgical scars and complications.”
As technology continues to evolve, Dr. Majedah looks forward to new advancements. “Radiofrequency ablation in different kinds excites me the most. I think in the future, we will have less radiation exposure with new machines like ultrasound with fusion imaging of CT, MRI, and fluoroscopy,” she shares enthusiastically.
For those dealing with chronic pain, Dr. Majedah offers valuable advice: “Psychologically prepare yourself for treatment, understand that results may not be immediate, and physiotherapy may be necessary to achieve the best results.”
Dr. Majedah Barrak Alzanki’s work at Taiba Hospital is not only revolutionizing the field of radiology but also significantly enhancing the quality of life for her patients. Her blend of technical expertise, compassionate care, and dedication to innovation makes her a true pioneer in the world of diagnostic and interventional radiology.
Taiba Hospital is located in Sabah Al Salem, off of route 30 on Road 3. Call them 24 hours at 1808 088. For updates and information, visit the website taibahospital.com, and follow them on Instagram @taibahospital.
