Thoracic Spine MRI: Info & Get a Scan

Back pain is a fact of ageing. As we get older our spine compresses and this can cause pain. This pain will come and go but generally is not overly serious or debilitating. However, it is hard to differentiate between pain associated with damage and pain caused by the natural ageing process.

If pain is occurring in your thoracic spine–which is sandwiched between the cervical and lumbar portions of your spine, it can be a sign of a serious problem. Physical examination plays an important role in determining the cause of the pain. But an MRI scan is the only way to get an accurate glimpse at the spine. The images generated by a back MRI scan allow diagnosis of the root cause of your back pain.

If you are experiencing thoracic back pain and are wondering if you require an MRI, this article is for you. Continue reading as we discuss the facts about a thoracic MRI scan and how they can help get your back on track.

What is the Thoracic Spine?

The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae stacked on top of each other and numbered T1 - T12. This portion of the spine has several important responsibilities including:

• Protect the Spinal Cord
• Anchor the Rib Cage
• Support the Neck and Cervical Spine

While the cervical and lumbar spine provide more mobility, the role of the thoracic spine is to provide stability. The thoracic vertebrae increase in size as they move away from the neck and towards the lumbar spine. This is to support the weight of the torso.

This part of the spine anchors the ribs, and sternum, effectively protecting the inner organs. This limits the thoracic spine’s range of motion. Therefore it’s not prone to injury. If you are experiencing thoracic spine pain there is an increased chance the symptoms are signs of a serious problem.

Why You Might Need a Thoracic Spine MRI Scan

A thoracic spine MRI is often recommended if you’re experiencing:

• Pain, swelling, stiffness or anything else unusual in your mid back region

• Numbness or tingling in your chest or abdomen

• Pain that radiates from your back to your ribs

• Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel movements

• Problems with balance or moving normally 

Your doctor may also recommend a thoracic spine MRI if they suspect you may have, or they’d like to rule out:

• Spinal cord compression

• Herniated discs

• Spinal stenosis 

• A spinal fracture

• An infection

• A tumour (that could be cancerous or non-cancerous)

What Does a Thoracic MRI Look For?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure. A thoracic spine MRI scan will produce images of the structures that make up the spine–as well as the soft tissues and organs surrounding the thoracic spine.

These images are called slices. The machine will move across three planes:

• Sagittal - From side to side
• Axial - From top down
• Coronal - From front to back

The MRI machine will capture a series of images as it moves across each plane. These slices will be able to show a three-dimensional representation of your thoracic spine.

A radiologist will then be able to examine the images and identify potential causes of your pain. Including:

• Fractures - Can be caused by sports-related injures, falls or motor accidents. Bone deterioration such as osteoporosis can cause the bone to weaken and crack under the pressure of the torso.
• Improper Spine Curvature - Occurs from injury or can be caused by poor posture from a young age.
• Inflammation - Is generally associated with a spinal strain or sprain.
• Infection - Bacteria can spread from infections in nearby organs and soft tissue and make their way to the spine. Resulting in pain and swelling of the thoracic spine.
• Herniated Discs - Intervertebral discs can slip out of place due to repetitive strain, injury or other damage. The bulging disc puts pressure on the spinal cord causing pain or weakness.
• Spinal Cord Damage - Usually caused by a form of extreme injury such as a motor accident. The damage to the spinal cord can cause pain or loss of sensation.

A spine MRI increases the chances of quickly finding the cause of your back pain. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to begin the treatment and rehabilitation process.

What Organs Does a Thoracic MRI Show?

A thoracic MRI is not intended to show any nearby organs. Instead, the scan is used to create images of the vertebrae, spinal cord and paraspinal tissues, and these are the areas that would usually be covered in your thoracic MRI report.

Why is a Thoracic Spine Pain a Red Flag?

The thoracic spine is the most rigid portion of the spine. A limited range of motion reduces the ability to injure the area from everyday activities. Therefore if you are experiencing thoracic spine pain, it can be an indication of a more serious problem.

With so many important organs and structures inside the thoracic cavity, there are many nerves and blood vessels needed to feed them. These travel through small holes in the vertebrae–called foramina–to feed into the spinal cord.

Pain in the thoracic area could indicate a potential nerve problem or damage to soft tissue structures around the spine.

What Are The Symptoms of Thoracic Spine Nerve Damage?

The symptoms of nerve damage depend on the type, severity and location of the damage. However, common signs of nerve damage can include:

• Weakness or loss of sensation in extremities
• Loss of feeling in genitals or rectum
• Sudden onset of incontinence
• Back pain combined with fever
• Symptoms that began after physical injury

The thoracic spine can be further broken down into 4 nerve sections. Experiencing symptoms in one of these specific regions of the body can further help narrow down the source of the anomaly or injury.

1. T1 - This area affects the hand, arms and fingers. Some individuals with nerve damage to this area can also experience breathing challenges.
2. T2 to T5 - This nerve section corresponds to the chest muscles and mid-back.
3. T6 to T8 - This area can affect the lower chest muscles and the abdominal muscles.
4. T9 to T12 - This section can affect the lower abdominal muscles, sexual organs and bladder function.

How an MRI Scan of the Thoracic Spine Works

An MRI scanner uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to temporarily disrupt the hydrogen atoms present in the body. Each tissue, from dense bone to the soft tissues, creates a different type of energy when its hydrogen atoms are disrupted. 

An MRI machine picks up these differences and turns them into detailed images. A specialist doctor, called a radiologist, reviews these images, detects any abnormalities in the spinal canal and the surrounding tissues, and makes a diagnosis. 

Equipment Used

An MRI scanner is a large, doughnut-shaped machine with a flat medical bed attached. The bed moves patients slowly in and out of the machine, and computers generate detailed images of the vertebrae, spinal cord and surrounding soft tissues. 

Benefits

MRI scans are a safe, quick and painless way for doctors to acquire clear images of the inside of the body, without the need for invasive or surgical procedures. 

Risks

Although safe for most patients, there are some things to consider before having an MRI scan:

• Metallic objects are dangerous in an MRI scanner due to the powerful magnets used. Therefore, all jewellery, watches, hair clips and clothing must be removed before entering the scanner. Let your medical team know if you have metallic artificial joints or implants such as valves, stents, meshes or cochlear implants. 

• Patients who have claustrophobia or who find it difficult to remain still may struggle inside the closed space of an MRI scanner. If you think you may struggle, speak to your doctor about the possibility of a mild sedative to help you relax.

• Some patients, particularly those with poor kidney function, may be allergic to the IV contrast dye used to better highlight the soft tissues and blood vessels on an MRI image. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include feeling breathless, excessively sweaty and lightheaded. If you begin to feel unwell during your MRI scan, let your radiographer know immediately. 

How to Prepare for a Thoracic MRI Scan

A thoracic MRI doesn’t require any special preparation, but it’s helpful to wear loose-fitting clothing that’s easy to remove for your appointment. 

The Procedure Explained: What to Expect

Most thoracic spine MRI scans are performed in the following way:

• Medical History and Safety Screening - your radiographer will ask some questions about your overall health, any allergies, your back pain and what, if anything, makes it worse or better. 

• Change into a Hospital Gown - you’ll be given a medical gown to change into, both for your comfort and to ensure your clothing doesn’t contain any metal. 

• Removal of Metal Objects - all metallic objects must be removed as they can prove dangerous once the magnets in the MRI machine are switched on. This includes all removable devices such as hearing aids. Let your medical team know about any artificial joints or implants. Some may still be safe in an MRI scanner.  

• Positioning on MRI Table - you’ll be helped onto the MRI table and positioned flat on your back with your head pointing towards the scanner. 

• Placement of Coils Over Thoracic Area - you may have a special pad placed over your abdomen. This contains a coil that helps to create more detailed images of the spinal canal and surrounding tissues. 

• Use of Earplugs or Headphones - the large magnets used in an MRI scanner make a loud knocking sound, and this may feel overwhelming. You’ll be provided with a headset or earphones to help reduce the level of sound inside the scanner. 

• MRI Scanning with Breathing Instructions - your radiographer will ask you to remain completely still throughout your scan, and they may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds at various intervals. They will control the scanner remotely from another room, but you’ll be able to speak to them through an intercom. 

How Long is a Thoracic MRI?

A thoracic MRI is not far off from other MRI procedures. It does not typically require any prior preparation or fasting–unless otherwise specified by your doctor.

The entire procedure will take approximately 10–30 minutes. If the use of contrast material is needed, the scan may take a bit more time while you wait for the contrast agent to work its way through your bloodstream.

What Happens After a Thoracic MRI Scan?

Once your scan is complete, you can get up from the scanner and get dressed. You’ll be able to return home, and to your normal activities as much as your back pain allows, the same day. 

Getting the Results

Your radiographer will send your MRI images to a radiologist for interpretation. Depending on your results, they may also review them with a spinal surgeon or specialist. They will then contact you to discuss your next steps and any recommended treatment, including surgery if necessary. 

What Does a Thoracic Spine MRI Scan Cost?

In the UK, a thoracic spine MRI starts at around £250. Any subsequent treatment or surgery will cost extra. 

Get a Thoracic Spine MRI Scan

Back pain can be debilitating, and not knowing what’s causing it only adds to the stress and inconvenience. NHS waiting times can be months or even longer, so jump the queue and book a private thoracic spine MRI with us today, and you could be on your way to a life free from back pain. 

The Bottom Line

Thoracic spine pain can not only be uncomfortable but potentially life-threatening. In addition to a thorough physical examination, your doctor may schedule an MRI to find the source of your discomfort.

Having an accurate diagnosis is the first step in your rehabilitation process. If you want to avoid the wait times at the NHS and find the cause of your thoracic pain make an appointment at one of our centres. Or if you would like more information about MRI procedures, contact us and we will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4175778/
2. https://www.shepherd.org/patient-programs/spinal-cord-injury/levels-and-types/thoracic-spinal-cord-injury
3. https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spine-anatomy/thoracic-spine-anatomy-and-upper-back-pain
4. https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/back-pain-spinal-mri#1
5. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri-of-the-spine-and-brain
6. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/imaging-center/exams/mri/spine.html
7. https://www.coloradospineinstitute.com/education/tests/mri/
8. https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/