Cervical Spine MRI: Info and Get a Scan

Imagine waking up in the morning, you sit up out of bed, turn your neck slightly, and you feel it. That tinge of pain. You groan and roll your eyes, this isn’t how you want today to begin. This is a common occurrence, 4 out of 5 people in the UK report having back pain each year. If the discomfort wasn’t enough, the other trouble is figuring out at what point you need medical intervention.

We like to think that everything will sort itself out eventually, but when it comes to back pain that is seldom the case. Neck and upper cervical spine pain can indicate a potentially serious issue. The only way to know for sure is through a spine MRI.

Continue reading to find out how an MRI can be used to help relieve your neck and back pain and what to expect from a spine MRI procedure.

What is the Cervical Spine?

The cervical spine refers to the top seven vertebrae of your spine. They are referred to as C1 – C7. Each vertebra has an arch of bone and when stacked together form a hollow tube called the spinal canal.

This spinal canal is home to your spinal cord, and nerve bundles pass through. These are coated in cerebrospinal fluid and the meninges form a three-layer protective sheath around the cord.

The vertebrae at each level also have two holes on either side called foramina. These holes allow pairs of nerves to exit the spinal canal and support nerve function for the rest of the body.

Attached to the cervical spine are muscles and ligaments that keep the body upright.

What is a Cervical Spine MRI Scan?

A cervical spine MRI scan uses magnetic resonance imaging to create detailed images of the bones, discs, nerves, and soft tissues in the neck area. It’s a safe and non-invasive way to look inside the spinal column, especially if you have symptoms that need further investigation, such as neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or arms. Unlike an X-ray or a CT scan, an MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves instead of radiation to produce high-resolution images, so it’s safer for repeated use.

Why Might I Need a Cervical Spine MRI Scan?

Your doctor might refer you for a cervical spine MRI scan if you’re showing symptoms of a condition affecting your neck or spinal cord. This could include spinal stenosis (narrowed spaces in the spinal canal), spinal injury, degenerative disc disease, multiple sclerosis, or even age-related wear and tear like cervical spondylosis. 

Your doctor may also use an MRI to check for joint disorders, bulging discs, or they might recommend one before and after any spinal surgery. If you’re experiencing numbness, weakness, or issues with your coordination, an MRI can help identify the root cause.

What Can a Cervical Spine MRI Diagnose?

A cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is used to take images of the following structures:

• C1 - C7 vertebrae
• Intervertebral Discs
• Spinal Cord
• Brain Stem
• Arteries and Veins
• Additional soft tissue in the neck and surrounding spine

The resulting images from a back MRI can help doctors diagnose a multitude of disorders including:

• Aneurysms
• Spinal Birth Defects
• Artery or Vein disorders
• Abnormal growths or Tumors
• Herniated Discs
• Cervical Stenosis
• Pinched Nerves

Since your spine houses your spinal cord, any potential injury or pressure can produce symptoms across your body. While a physical examination is important, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact location or source of the symptoms. It's only an MRI scan that can find the source of those symptoms.

Doctors will use the images combined with the symptoms you are experiencing to form a diagnosis. It's important to catch these problems early for medical intervention to prevent them from getting worse.

How Do I Prepare for an MRI?

An MRI is a simple procedure. It doesn't require much preparation beyond showing up for your appointment. Generally, it is not necessary to fast before a cervical spine MRI, but each clinic has its policies. Before your scan, there are two main requirements from you on the day of your appointment.

1. Complete Medical History

Before your scan, a technician will interview you about your medical history. This will include any allergies. Your scan may include the use of contrast material or if you are claustrophobic it may include a mild sedative. Therefore it is important to disclose if you have any history of allergic reactions to medication.

If you have electronic implants, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, the magnetic field generated by the machine can cause changes in the settings of these devices. This will need to be closely monitored during and after your procedure.

The presence of metal can cause distorted images. If you have any stints, metal plates, or screws, inform the technician. They can work around these to achieve the necessary scan results.

It’s also important to disclose if you are pregnant. Although there is currently no correlation between MRIs and birth defects, it is still important for the radiographer to know your full medical history.

2. Change and Remove Any Metal

Before your scan, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Some centres allow you to wear personal loose-fitting clothing, check with your MRI clinic for their policy. You will need to remove any metal, this includes piercings, jewellery, and hearing aids. Metal objects cause distorted images, and the scan will need to be repeated.

This non-invasive diagnostic procedure is fairly straightforward. You can expect to arrive for your appointment and leave promptly. If you have taken a sedative, it can take some time for the effects to wear off. In the meantime, you cannot operate a vehicle.

What Equipment is Used?

During a cervical spine MRI, you’ll lie on a padded bed that moves inside a large, tube-shaped MRI machine. Your radiologist will place a special frame called a coil around your head and neck, which acts like an antenna and improves image quality.

Sometimes, your radiologist will inject a contrast dye into a vein in your arm or hand via a thin tube (cannula). This helps to highlight blood vessels, tumours, or areas of inflammation, improving imaging and showing blood flow.

What Are the Benefits of Cervical Spine MRI?

• Creates detailed images of bones, discs, nerves, and soft tissues without radiation.

• Helps diagnose spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, multiple sclerosis, and spine injury.

• Detects bulging discs, cervical spondylosis, joint disorders, and abnormal wear.

• Useful before and after spinal surgery for assessment.

• Provides high-resolution images that reveal subtle changes that X-rays or CT scans can miss.

• It’s non-invasive and generally pain-free.

What Are the Risks?

• Not suitable for people with certain metal implants, pacemakers, or cochlear implants.

• Contrast dye may cause problems if you have kidney issues.

• Some patients may feel claustrophobic or anxious inside the MRI scanner.

• Scanner noise can be loud, but ear protection is provided.

• Requires staying very still, which may be difficult for some.

What Equipment is Used?

During a cervical spine MRI, you’ll lie on a padded bed that moves inside a large, tube-shaped MRI machine. Your radiologist will place a special frame called a coil around your head and neck, which acts like an antenna and improves image quality.

Sometimes, your radiologist will inject a contrast dye into a vein in your arm or hand via a thin tube (cannula). This helps to highlight blood vessels, tumours, or areas of inflammation, improving imaging and showing blood flow.

What Are the Benefits of Cervical Spine MRI?

• Creates detailed images of bones, discs, nerves, and soft tissues without radiation.

• Helps diagnose spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, multiple sclerosis, and spine injury.

• Detects bulging discs, cervical spondylosis, joint disorders, and abnormal wear.

• Useful before and after spinal surgery for assessment.

• Provides high-resolution images that reveal subtle changes that X-rays or CT scans can miss.

• It’s non-invasive and generally pain-free.

What Are the Risks?

• Not suitable for people with certain metal implants, pacemakers, or cochlear implants.

• Contrast dye may cause problems if you have kidney issues.

• Some patients may feel claustrophobic or anxious inside the MRI scanner.

• Scanner noise can be loud, but ear protection is provided.

• Requires staying very still, which may be difficult for some.

What Can I Expect From the Procedure?

1. You’ll be given a hospital gown to change into - One of the team carrying out your scan will give you a gown to change into, ensuring there’s no metal on your clothing.

2. You’ll be asked to remove all metal objects - Jewellery and hair clips can interfere with the MRI scan, so you’ll need to remove all metal objects before entering the scan room.

3. You’ll lie down with your head and neck supported - You’ll lie down on a padded bed. Your head and neck will be carefully supported to stay still during the scan.

4. Your head is positioned with the coil - Your radiologist will place a specially designed coil around your head and neck to help the scanner create clearer images of the cervical spine.

5. The scan takes place - The bed will slide into the MRI scanner. You’ll need to lie as still as you can while the machine captures images. The scan usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes and you’ll be able to speak to the radiographer throughout via an intercom.

What is The Cost of a Cervical Spine MRI?

The national average for a private MRI scan is £363. At one of our centres, MRI scans start as low as £289, far below the national average.

If you are experiencing back or neck pain, it’s common to feel anxious to find relief. If you choose to have an MRI through the NHS you could be waiting up to 18 weeks.

What does this mean for you? The answer is more discomfort, more time off work, and more disruption to your life.

However, at Scan.com you can have an appointment scheduled in as little as 5 working days. Finding the source of your back and neck pain earlier allows you to begin rehabilitation that much sooner.

What Happens After an MRI Scan?

After your scan is complete, the radiographer will go over the images to ensure they show the necessary structures. Once complete you will be guided back to a private room where you can change and are free to go about your day.

Again, if you have taken a sedative it takes time to wear off. It is recommended to avoid driving a vehicle, therefore you should arrange alternate transportation.

In the days following your procedure, a radiologist will examine the images from your scan. They will then send their report and findings to your doctor. Your doctor will be in touch with you to discuss the results and the necessary treatment plan, if applicable.

How Can I Get a Cervical Spine MRI Scan?

If you’re dealing with persistent neck pain, numbness, or symptoms that could point to spinal conditions, a cervical spine MRI scan could give the answers you need. At Scan.com, we make it easy to book your appointment online, with fast access to imaging centres across the UK. No GP referral is needed—just search, choose, and book in minutes.

In Conclusion

You may not want to admit your neck and back pain is serious enough to seek medical attention. But it’s important to find the root cause of your discomfort to ensure there isn’t a more serious underlying problem.

A cervical MRI can give doctors an accurate depiction of your cervical spine, providing the opportunity to make a potential diagnosis.

If you want to avoid the long NHS wait times, make a private MRI scan appointment at one of our centres. We can help you get back to living life, pain-free.

FAQs

Does Your Whole Body Go In for a Cervical Spine MRI?

Not usually. For a cervical MRI scan, only your upper body goes into the MRI scanner. Your legs will often remain outside, which can help if you’re feeling anxious or claustrophobic.

How Long Does a Cervical Spine MRI Take?

A standard cervical spine MRI takes between 30 and 45 minutes. If your radiologist uses contrast dye, it may take slightly longer. It’s a good idea to allow at least an hour or more. 

What Does a Normal Cervical Spine MRI Look Like?

A normal cervical spine MRI will show your vertebrae stacked neatly, spinal discs without bulges, and no narrowing of the spinal canal. The spinal cord and nerves should appear smooth and free from compression or inflammation.

What Areas Does a Cervical Spine MRI Show?

It shows the neck area of the spinal column, including your bones, discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissue.

How Do You Read a Cervical Spine MRI?

When you have a cervical spine MRI, you’ll receive a report from a radiologist - a highly-trained doctor who specialises in interpreting medical images. The report is designed to help you understand what the scan has shown. We recommend not attempting to review the images by yourself - they are complex, detailed, and a high volume of images are taken during the scan. 

When reading your cervical spine MRI images and understanding what they show, here’s a list of what the radiologist might do:

• Check the bones: See if the neck bones (vertebrae) line up straight without any breaks or cracks.

• Look at the discs: These sit between the bones. Are any bulging out or pressing on nearby nerves? That can cause pain or numbness.

• Find the spinal cord and nerves: Look for any spots where the nerves might be squeezed or swollen. That might explain symptoms like weakness or tingling.

• Spot tight spaces: Sometimes the spaces in the spine get narrower (spinal stenosis), which can pinch nerves or blood vessels.

• Notice any wear and tear: Signs of ageing like worn discs or joints (called degenerative disc disease or cervical spondylosis) can show up as changes on your images.

• Look for damage or inflammation: Conditions like multiple sclerosis or trauma from past injuries might cause areas of swelling or scarring.

• After surgery: If you’ve had neck surgery, your images can show how well it’s healing or if there are any new issues.
  
  

Remember, it takes a trained eye to spot everything, so it’s always good to discuss your images and report with your doctor or radiologist. But this basic understanding can help you feel more confident when looking at your own scans.

References

1. https://aica.com/will-nerve-damage-show-up-on-an-mri/
2. https://hpi.georgetown.edu/backpain/
3. https://www.theregenerativeclinic.co.uk/news/80-uk-adults-experience-back-pain/
4. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ug6695
5. https://www.americanhealthimaging.com/blog/what-does-a-cervical-spine-mri-show/
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/lumbar-mri-scan#risks
7. https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Cervical-Spine
8. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/guide-to-nhs-waiting-times-in-england/
9. https://med.virginia.edu/neurosurgery/services/spine-surgery/cervical-stenosis/