MRI is the investigative tool of choice for imaging the spine, not just in showing the vertebrae (bones that form the spine) but also the soft tissue components of the spinal region.
This makes MRI more useful than conventional X ray techniques in spine imaging and has the additional advantage of being free from ionising radiation.

MRI is excellent at visualizing degenerative changes, such as those seen in arthritis. This condition can narrow the bony spaces through which the spinal nerves pass causing pain. MRI can also demonstrate disease of the lumbar discs between the vertebrae which may dehydrate and bulge (slipped disc) impinging upon the spinal cord and causing pain such as sciatica.

An MRI may be performed following trauma (injury) or in advanced pathological states, to rule out acute compression of the spinal cord causing weakness or paralysis. Its soft tissue discrimination makes MRI scanning the first choice in the evaluation of abscesses, tumors, or other masses near the spinal cord. MRI can also detect subtle changes in the bone which may be due to infection or tumor.

Patients attending for MRI scans of the spine will need to be able to lie fairly flat, especially for the thoracic spine (upper back).

Scan times may vary depending upon the individual case.

MRI of the Blood Vessels (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)

Click on the thumbnails to open a pop-up window containing the full size image. Please note that pop-up stoppers may prevent the new window from opening.