What is an MRI cervical spine?
An MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, is a painless diagnostic tool that generates detailed pictures of your body using energy from strong magnets and radio waves.
A cervical spine MRI, also known as a C-spine MRI, is a non-invasive, safe procedure that generates detailed pictures of the cervical spine and its surrounding areas. The cervical spine is the neck region made up of a total of seven bones (C1-C7) that are separated by intervertebral discs.
The following are some of the common reasons for performing this test:
- Severe pain in the shoulder, neck, or arm that is not responding to medications or treatment
- Neck pain associated with leg numbness, weakness, or other symptoms
- Neck or spine injury or trauma
A cervical MRI scan is performed to help in the diagnosis of: - Soft tissues or bone tumours
- Herniated discs or bulging disc
- Aneurysms in arteries or other vascular conditions
- Other bone disorders, joint disorders, or soft tissue disorders
- Congenital birth defects
MRI is safer than X-rays, as it does not make use of radiation (X-rays).
Single MRI pictures are known as slices. The pictures generated by the MRI can be printed on film or saved to a computer. Just one exam creates plenty of images.
How to prepare for the MRI cervical spine?
- Pregnant women should notify their doctor of their pregnancy before having an MRI.
- Inform your radiologist in case you have a cochlear implant, pacemaker, aneurysm clips, surgical clips or staples, a neurostimulator, or drug implants.
- As the MRI uses powerful magnetic fields, you may be asked to take off any metallic objects such as coins, jewellery, metallic wristwatches, dentures, metallic keys, or hearing devices.
- Inform your doctor if you are scared of enclosed spaces or have claustrophobia. If so, you might be given medication to help you feel less anxious and sleepy.
- As guidelines vary from facility to facility, inquire with your doctor whether you are allowed to drink or eat prior to the scan.
- If a contrast medium is needed during the test, notify your healthcare provider if you are suffering from diabetes or renal issues. You may need to have a kidney function test prior to the MRI. This ensures that the kidneys can safely eliminate the dye.
How is the MRI cervical spine performed?
- You will be asked to wear a hospital gown.
- You will be positioned on a table that will move into a tunnel-shaped scanner.
- If your scan requires the use of contrast dye, you will most likely be administered the contrast medium through a vein in your arm through an injection. The dye aids the radiologist in seeing certain spots more clearly.
- Once you are positioned and the dye is administered (if needed in your case), the technician will slide you through the MRI scanner from another adjoining room, where they can see you and connect with you if needed.
- They will keep you updated on the progress of the scan.
- Cervical MRI scans usually take between 30 and 45 minutes.
- It is critical that you remain still as much as possible throughout this procedure because if you move, the visuals may get blurry.
Is there any risk to having a cervical MRI?
MRI scans are quite safe procedures. They make no use of radiation.
Although uncommon,
- Some people might develop an allergic reaction to the contrast material used in MRIs. Always inform your doctor if you have a history of a contrast dye allergy.
- The powerful magnetic fields generated by MRI scanners can cause pacemakers for the heart and other devices to malfunction. It may also cause a metal piece present inside the body to move or shift. Therefore, it is advised not to bring anything containing metal inside the scanning room for safety reasons.
