Neck MRI

Neck MRI: Information and Get a Scan

You wake up in the morning and out of nowhere you can’t move your neck without sharp stabbing pain. This is a common story. If it has not happened to you, it has likely happened to someone you know. Typically the immediate reaction is, “I must have slept on it funny.” In some cases, this may be true and just a result of a muscle spasm. But it can also indicate the presence of a serious underlying condition.

If you have been experiencing neck pain that has not been improving, it could be beneficial to have an MRI neck scan. Continue reading to find out more about this diagnostic procedure, and if it can help find the root of your neck pain.

What is a Neck MRI Scan?

A neck MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to capture high-resolution images of the structures in your neck area. It’s especially useful for examining the cervical spine, which connects your head to the rest of your body and supports much of its movement.

Unlike a CT scan, an MRI doesn’t use ionising radiation, making it a safer option for repeated scans if needed. It’s also particularly good at showing soft tissue injuries, inflammation, nerve issues and changes to blood vessels or discs in and around the neck.

What Does a Neck MRI Show?

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) neck scan will allow doctors to see the structures inside of your neck. These include:

1. Vertebrae
2. Spinal Cord
3. Lower Portion of the Brain
4. Arteries and Veins
5. Muscles
6. Tendons
7. Other Soft Tissues

The MRI works by taking images, called slices, of the structures in your neck as it moves across a single plane. Imagine slicing an apple from one side to the other. Each of those slices represents a single MRI image. When paired together they allow the radiologist to see what is occurring inside of your neck. This will allow them to form a diagnosis by viewing potential:

1. Inflammation
2. Infection
3. Tumours
4. Tissue Damage
5. Any Other Abnormal Growths

An issue in your neck may present itself the same way–in the form of pain. However, the root cause can be any number is problems. A neck MRI provides the opportunity to accurately find out what is causing your pain. The earlier the issue is found, the sooner you can be back on your way to being pain-free.

Can an MRI Fix My Neck Pain?

An MRI scan is a diagnostic tool that uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to generate images of the structures inside your body. While this technology cannot remove your pain, it can be used to identify the source of the pain.

A radiologist will examine the images produced in the MRI and will be able to narrow down the cause of your discomfort. This diagnosis is the first step in developing a treatment plan to relieve your pain.

Why You Might Need a Neck MRI

Your doctor may recommend a neck MRI scan depending on your medical history and if you’re experiencing:

• Severe neck pain that isn’t getting better

• Stiffness or reduced range of motion

• Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands

• Arm or leg weakness

• Symptoms suggesting nerve compression or cervical radiculopathy

• Suspected spinal cord compression

• Swelling or signs of infection or abscesses in the neck

• A history of trauma or whiplash injuries

• Signs of disc inflammation or degeneration

• Concerns about tumours or vascular abnormalities

If you’ve tried rest, physical therapy, or medications and still aren’t getting relief, an MRI could help your doctor identify an underlying condition that other tests haven’t detected.

What Can a Neck MRI Diagnose?

A cervical spine MRI scan is a powerful tool for diagnosing a wide range of conditions affecting the neck's spine, nerves, and soft tissues. Here’s a closer look at what it can reveal:

Herniated or Bulging Discs

Discs act as cushions between your cervical vertebrae. When one bulges or herniation occurs, it can press on nearby nerves or the spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your neck, shoulders, or arms. An MRI shows the extent and direction of the herniation and whether it’s compressing nearby structures.

Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis of the Neck)

This common age-related condition involves degeneration of the cervical discs and joints. The MRI can show disc thinning, bone spurs, and spinal canal narrowing (spinal stenosis), all of which may cause persistent neck pain or nerve symptoms.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Cervical spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal in your neck narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. This narrowing can be caused by cervical spondylosis (age-related wear and tear), thickened ligaments, bone spurs, or herniated discs. It’s a common cause of chronic neck pain and neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or difficulty with balance.

An MRI scan is the gold standard for diagnosing cervical spinal stenosis because it clearly shows how much the spinal canal has narrowed and whether the spinal cord is being compressed. Early diagnosis is crucial since you may need spinal surgery to prevent permanent nerve damage.

Cervical Radiculopathy (Nerve Root Compression)

When a nerve root exiting the spine is compressed or inflamed, it can cause radiating pain, numbness, or weakness down your arm. MRI helps pinpoint the affected nerve and the cause - often a bulging disc or spondylosis - so your doctor can tailor your treatment plan.

Spinal Cord Compression and Myelopathy

MRI is the best tool for detecting spinal cord compression, which may cause coordination problems, changes in walking, or leg weakness. It can also detect signs of myelopathy, which is damage within the spinal cord itself, crucial for deciding whether you need spinal surgery.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) happens when the cushions between the vertebrae in the cervical spine start to break down over time. The discs lose hydration and flexibility, causing them to thin, crack, or even bulge. This wear and tear can lead to you experiencing pain, stiffness, and reduced neck movement.

An MRI scan is essential for diagnosing DDD because it shows detailed changes such as loss of disc height, inflammation, and the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes). It also helps identify if nerve roots are being compressed due to narrowing spaces around the discs. Understanding these changes helps your doctor recommend the best treatment options, ranging from physical therapy to, in some cases, spinal surgery.

Tumours and Cancer

MRI can reveal abnormal growths in the neck soft tissue, spine, or spinal cord. It helps distinguish between benign and malignant tumours and assess whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes or surrounding tissues. 

Infections and Abscesses

Deep infections like osteomyelitis (bone infection), discitis (disc infection), or abscesses in the soft tissue of the neck may not show clearly on other scans. An MRI can identify infected areas and any fluid collection or inflammation that needs treatment.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS often affects the cervical spine, creating lesions or plaques on the spinal cord. MRI is essential in diagnosing MS, especially when symptoms like weakness, tingling, or coordination problems are unexplained.

Neck Trauma and Fractures

After an injury, an MRI can show damage to ligaments, discs, or neck soft tissue, especially when X-rays or CT scans don’t provide answers. This includes hidden fractures, swelling, or nerve compression that could affect your recovery.

Vascular Issues

Sometimes, blood vessels in the neck can be abnormal, blocked, or damaged. MRI with contrast dye can identify problems with blood flow in the neck, such as aneurysms or narrowed arteries, which may be contributing to your symptoms or increasing your stroke risk.

Tethered Cord and Congenital Issues

Some people are born with structural problems in the cervical spine, such as fused vertebrae. MRI can help spot these and give your doctor a picture of how they affect your spinal cord and surrounding nerves.

Inflammatory Conditions

An MRI can detect disc inflammation and other signs of an autoimmune condition, or inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Autoimmune conditions may not always be obvious with a physical examination, but can be the cause of long-term stiffness and pain.

Complications After Surgery

If you’ve had previous spinal surgery, an MRI can help identify scar tissue, persistent disc problems, or new issues developing near the site of surgery. 

How Does an MRI of the Neck Work?

An MRI scanner uses magnetic fields and radio waves to build a clear picture of the inside of your neck. These signals are picked up by a computer and transformed into highly accurate cross-sectional images.

Because different tissues respond differently to the magnetic energy, an MRI can distinguish between bones, discs, nerves, and neck soft tissue, often more clearly than a CT scan or X-ray.

What Equipment is Used?

Your radiologist will likely use a 1.5 or 3 Tesla MRI scanner for a cervical spine MRI scan. They’ll pop a specialised neck coil around your neck, which acts like an antenna, helping to capture crystal-clear images.

Sometimes, they 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 visibility of certain structures and showing how blood flows through the neck area.

What Are the Benefits of a Cervical MRI Scan?

There are plenty of benefits to having a neck MRI, including:

• There is no radiation exposure, unlike a CT scan.

• It detects soft tissue injuries, nerve damage, or spinal canal narrowing.

• MRI can be helpful before and after spinal surgery to help guide surgery and check recovery.

• It shows early signs of diseases like MS or cancer.

• It’s excellent for imaging blood vessels and neck soft tissue.

Are There Any Risks?

An MRI is considered very safe. However:

• The scan can feel noisy or claustrophobic. Let your radiographer know if this worries you. They may offer earplugs, music, or mild sedation.

• Minor side effects if contrast dye is used, such as nausea, or, more rarely, an allergic reaction.

• MRI isn’t suitable for everyone, especially if you have certain implants. Be sure to tell your care team if you have a cochlear implant or any metal in your body.

How Do I Prepare?

You won’t usually need to do much before your scan, but you will be asked to:

• Remove jewellery, hairpins, belts, and clothing with metal fasteners like zips. Your technician may ask you to wear a hospital gown.

• Let the technician performing the scan know if you have any medical implants (like a pacemaker), metal in your body, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. These won’t always rule out MRI, but they help staff keep you safe.

What Happens During the Scan?

1. You’ll lie on the MRI table, resting your head comfortably.

2. Your technician will gently place a padded neck coil around your neck.

3. They’ll give you earplugs or headphones, as the scanner can be noisy.

4. The table will slide into the MRI scanner. You’ll need to keep still throughout the scan.

5. The scan lasts 20–60 minutes, depending on whether contrast dye is used.

You can speak to the radiographer through an intercom at any time.

What Happens Afterwards?

There’s no recovery time needed, and you can go back to normal activities straight after - unless you were given sedatives.

A radiologist will review your images and send a report to your GP or consultant, who will review the results with you and recommend any next steps.

How Much Does a Neck MRI Cost?

The national average of an MRI in the UK is £363. However, at one of our MRI centres, the rates are as low as £289, well under the national average.

The benefit of having a private MRI scan is the avoidance of waiting for an MRI through the NHS. Where the wait times for an MRI are up to 18 weeks. At our facilities, you can have an appointment in as little as five days. By finding the cause of your neck pain earlier, you will be on the road to recovery that much sooner.

Get a Neck MRI Scan

Book a private neck MRI scan today. If you’re unsure whether an MRI is suitable for you, one of our expert clinicians is available for a personalised consultation. They can discuss your symptoms and concerns and help you decide what to do next.

The Bottom Line

Neck pain can be very debilitating; it can affect your ability to work, drive, and complete everyday tasks. While some neck pain can go away on its own, it can also signify a larger issue at play. By choosing to have an MRI neck scan, you can ensure any underlying issues will be identified. Finding the cause is the first step in fixing your neck pain.

If you have more questions about an MRI neck scan, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. Or Contact Us and we will be happy to provide you with more information on this procedure.

FAQs

Does the Whole Body Go Into the MRI Machine For a Neck Scan?

Usually, only your head and neck area will be positioned inside the MRI scanner during a neck MRI, but it may depend on the part of your neck being examined. 

Will an MRI of the Neck Show Cancer?

Yes, an MRI is very effective at detecting tumours or malignant growths in the neck because of its ability to differentiate soft tissues. It can reveal abnormal masses, size, location, and impact on nearby structures like nerves, blood vessels, or the spinal cord. 

How Long Does a Neck MRI Take?

A neck MRI typically lasts between 20 and 60 minutes. The exact time depends on factors such as the area covered, the number of images needed, and whether contrast dye is used. Longer scans may be necessary for complex cases requiring more detailed views or patients with multiple symptoms.

Does a Neck MRI Show the Thyroid Gland?

A neck MRI can clearly visualise the thyroid gland, surrounding tissues, and blood vessels. This helps detect abnormalities like thyroid nodules, cysts, or inflammation contributing to neck discomfort or other symptoms.

What Does Arthritis in the Neck Look Like on an MRI?

MRI scans can highlight signs of arthritis in the cervical spine, including bone spurs (osteophytes), narrowing of the disc spaces, and inflammation around the joints. These changes often explain symptoms like stiffness, pain, and reduced neck mobility and help doctors decide on the most appropriate treatment.

References

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/cervical-mri-scan#process
2. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ug6705
3. https://www.drugs.com/cg/magnetic-resonance-imaging-of-the-head-and-neck.html
4. https://oryon.co.uk/imaging/scans/mri/#:~:text=The%20national%20average%20for%20a,date%20and%20time%20you%20book.
5. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/guide-to-nhs-waiting-times-in-england/