Around 80% of adults experience back pain in their lifetime, and while many cases can be treated without medical imaging, there are times when a spinal MRI is necessary to pinpoint the source of pain. The sooner you are able to have an MRI, the better the treatment outcomes can be, especially if the scan results show your back pain is nerve-related.

While an X-ray can show bones and hard structures, an MRI scan allows assessment of the bones, nerves, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles all in one procedure. There are three specific types of spinal MRIs, which can help diagnose, monitor, and plan surgery for a number of conditions.

Types of spinal MRI scans

We offer three different types of spinal MRI scan: cervical, thoracic and lumbar.

Each type of scan takes images over three planes (directions):

Axial - from top to bottom
Sagittal - from one side to the other
Coronal - from front to back

This allows a clear view of the inner workings of the spine, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues from different angles.

Cervical spine MRI (neck and upper back)

A cervical MRI will scan the soft tissues of your neck and cervical spine. The cervical spine is the part of the spine that runs through your neck, also known as the C1-C7 vertebrae.

Thoracic spine MRI (mid back)

The thoracic spine consists of the T1-T12 vertebrae in the middle of your back, and these vertebrae affect the function of hands, arms, fingers, chest muscles, abdominal muscles, reproductive organs and bladder. The thoracic spine also protects the spinal cord, anchors the rib cage, and supports the neck and higher part of the spine (cervical spine).

Lumbar spine MRI (lower back)

The lumbar spine consists of the last five vertebrae (L1-L5) between your ribs and pelvis. These vertebrae are larger than those at the top of the spine, as they support a greater weight and absorb more shock.

Possible diagnoses from spinal MRI scans:

Usually, your radiologist will already have an idea of what they are looking for in your MRI scan images, from your medical history assessment and any previous physical examinations. However, MRI scans can help to pinpoint specific problems, and can reveal hidden issues a physical examination might miss.

MRI scans are usually used to check spinal alignment, disc height and hydration, and the shape and appearance of discs (e.g. if they are normal, bulging, or damaged). Subsequent diagnoses could include a herniated disc.
Stenosis occurs when the spinal canal is not large enough to comfortably accommodate the spinal cord and nerves. This can happen in any part of the spine, but is most common in the lumbar area. Stenosis leads to compression and pressure on the nerves, which can be caused by injury to the spine, tumours, some bone diseases, and arthritis. An MRI scan can help to assess and understand the causes of pain and the best treatment options for stenosis.
Spinal MRIs can pick up spinal fractures, which can occur in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar parts of the spine. Vertebral fractures can be caused by injury or trauma to the spine, or can be linked with osteoporosis. It is important to seek early diagnosis for spinal fractures so that they can be treated, and further fractures can be prevented.
An MRI can also identify any pinched or compressed nerves, and any inflammation of the nerves. If you have a radiating pain, burning or tingling in your arms and/or legs, this could be the result of a pinched nerve.
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.

Next Steps

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Sources used

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What does an MRI scan of the spine show?