Spine MRI
(Cervical, Thoracic & Lumbar)
Diagnose the root cause of back pain and sciatica with precision. Experience the clarity of 3 Tesla spinal imaging.
Diagnose the root cause of back pain and sciatica with precision. Experience the clarity of 3 Tesla spinal imaging.
A Spine MRI is an advanced diagnostic imaging test that produces detailed, 3D cross-sectional images of the vertebrae, spinal cord, intervertebral discs, and surrounding soft tissues. Because the spine consists of delicate nerves and cartilage, MRI is drastically superior to standard X-rays, which only show bone structures.
The spine is divided into three main regions: the Cervical (neck), Thoracic (mid-back), and Lumbar (lower back). Depending on your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe an MRI of a specific region, or sometimes the entire spine. Our 3.0 Tesla MRI machine guarantees high-resolution images, allowing our radiologists to detect the exact pinpoint location of nerve compression or disc degeneration without exposing you to radiation.
Spine MRIs are primarily performed to evaluate the anatomy of the spinal column and detect abnormalities affecting the spinal cord or nerves. It is the gold standard for diagnosing the following conditions:
Patients suffering from the following persistent symptoms should consult their physician, who will likely recommend a Spine MRI:
Unrelenting pain that does not improve with rest.
Pain shooting down the arms or legs (Sciatica).
Tingling or "pins and needles" in extremities.
Difficulty gripping objects or walking normally.
Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control (Medical Emergency).
Persistent pain after a fall, accident, or injury.
No special preparation is required for a standard Spine MRI. You may eat your regular meals and take medications as usual. If your doctor has requested a scan with IV contrast, you may be asked to fast for 4-6 hours prior.
Upon arrival, you will be asked to remove all metallic items, including belts, jewelry, keys, and phones. You will change into a metal-free hospital gown. Please inform the technologist if you have any medical implants, such as a pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator, or artificial joints.
You will lie flat on your back on the padded MRI table. For cervical (neck) MRIs, a coil will be placed around your head and neck. For lumbar or thoracic MRIs, the table itself contains the imaging coils.
The table will slide into the scanner. You must remain completely still, as any movement will degrade the image quality. The machine will make loud knocking sounds; we will provide ear protection or headphones with music. A typical sequence lasts 3 to 5 minutes, followed by a brief pause. You can communicate with the technologist at any time using an intercom system.
An MRI of one spinal region (e.g., Lumbar spine) takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A Whole Spine MRI (Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar) will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Add 15 minutes if contrast is required.
The MRI procedure uses no radiation and is entirely painless and safe. The primary challenge is claustrophobia for some patients, which we mitigate with our wide-bore technology and soothing environment. You can drive home immediately after the scan.
Find the exact cause of your back pain with our advanced 3T MRI technology. Same-day reports provided.