If you’ve been referred for an MRI scan of the spine, you might be wondering what exactly it involves and more importantly, what it can reveal. At first glance, the process can seem a little daunting. But fear not! MRI scans are one of the most powerful diagnostic tools available, especially when it comes to getting a clear picture of the spine.

Whether you’re experiencing back pain, numbness, or other neurological symptoms, a spinal MRI can provide crucial insights that allow your healthcare provider to get to the root of the cause and plan the right treatment path to get you back to your best.

What Is an MRI Scan of the Spine?

An MRI scan of the spine is an imaging test that produces a detailed visual of the spinal column and surrounding tissue. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, which mainly show bones, an MRI gives a clearer view of the spinal cord, discs, nerves, ligaments and muscles – all without radiation.

We perform our spinal MRI scans using state-of-the-art technology, which are all interpreted by expert radiologists. At Oryon, we pride ourselves on prompt turnaround times, so your referring healthcare professional will usually receive your results within one working day.

Which Part of the Spine Can Be Scanned?

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might request an MRI of a specific spinal region:

• Cervical Spine – the neck area
  
• Thoracic Spine – the upper and mid-back
  
• Lumbar Spine – the lower back

Each area can reveal different conditions, depending on where you’re experiencing pain or discomfort.

What Does An MRI Of The Spine Detect?

Here are some of the key issues a spinal MRI can identify:

1. Herniated or Bulging Discs

Discs act as a cushion between the vertebrae in your spine. When a disc slips out of place or gets damaged, it can press on nearby nerves, leading to pain, weakness, or numbness. An MRI of the spine provides precise imaging of the disc to help diagnose the severity and location of any damage.

2. Spinal Stenosis

This is the narrowing of spaces in the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Stenosis leads to compression and pressure on the nerves, which can be caused by injury to the spine, tumours, some bone diseases, and arthritis. A spinal MRI will show the level of narrowing and the areas affected, allowing your doctor to get a better understanding of how it’s contributing to your symptoms.

3. Nerve Compression or Sciatica

If you’re experiencing shooting pains down your leg or arm, an MRI of the spine can help determine if a nerve root is being pinched or compressed. It’s especially helpful for diagnosing causes of sciatica and other nerve-related pain.

4. Spinal Abnormalities

MRI scans can detect changes or damage to the spinal cord itself, including inflammation, haemorrhages and bleeding.

Other abnormalities that can be found by an MRI scan include artery or vein disorders, abnormal growths or tumours, infection, and some birth defects in the vertebrae or spinal cord. MRIs can also be used to identify degenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis.

5. Infections or Tumours

MRI is very effective in detecting infections in the bones or discs, as well as tumours, whether they are benign or malignant and if they are within or near the spinal cord.

7. Post-Surgical Changes

If you’ve had spinal surgery, an MRI may be used to monitor healing or identify any further complications such as scar tissue or recurrent disc herniation.

These are some of the common reasons for your doctor to recommend an MRI of the spine, but there may also be other reasons.

What Happens During the Scan?

At Oryon, we aim to make your experience as comfortable as possible. With one of our friendly radiographers with you at all times, you can feel safe and assured that your scan will go on without a hitch. 

During the scan:

• You’ll lie on a cushioned table that slides into the MRI scanner.
  
• The scan usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
  
• The whole process is completely painless. The machine may make some loud tapping sounds, which at worst can be a bit annoying. However, the good news is, you get the option of: either popping in some earplugs or picking up headphones to drown out the noise.
  
• You’ll need to stay still for clear images, but you’ll always be able to speak to your radiographer if you need to!

We understand that some people feel a little anxious about MRI scans, especially if they’re not sure what to expect. Rest assured, our friendly team is always on hand to answer your questions and talk you through the process beforehand.

Book Your MRI Scan Today

If you’ve been referred for a spinal MRI or are seeking one privately, we’re here to help. We are delighted to offer quick appointments, expert radiologists, and clear, rapid results. Everything you need without any of the complications.

If you have a referral already and want to take the next step towards understanding your spine and getting the care you need, you can book online or call us and we’ll contact you to get you booked in for an appointment.