What is an MRI Cervical Spine?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the cervical spine is a non-invasive diagnostic test that physicians use to visualize and diagnose problems with the cervical spine (neck).

• Procedure: This examination creates comprehensive images of the cervical spine, which consists of the seven vertebrae at the head of the spinal column, using radio waves, a big magnet, and a computer. The pictures can be printed, saved to a CD, or shown on a computer monitor.

• Purpose: MRI Cervical Spine can help diagnose conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, tumors, infections, or injuries. It is often ordered when a patient experiences unexplained neck pain, arm pain, or weakness.

• Safety: MRI is a safe procedure and has no known harmful side-effects. Ionising radiation, which can be dangerous in high concentrations, is not used in it. However, it is not recommended for people with certain types of implants or medical devices, or for pregnant women.

• Preparation: Prior to the MRI, patients are usually requested to remove all metallic items, including jewelry, eyeglasses, and dentures. Some patients may require a contrast dye to be injected into their veins to highlight certain structures in the neck.

• Duration: The MRI Cervical Spine procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Patients are asked to lie still during the procedure; some may require a mild sedative to help them relax.

• The MRI Cervical Spine is required when a patient presents neck pain symptoms that do not improve over time. Both acute and chronic pain are possible, and numbness or paralysis in the hands or arms may accompany the discomfort.

• This test is also required when there are indications of an injury to the cervical spine, such as from a car accident or a fall. In these situations, an MRI can help diagnose correctly by providing detailed images of the neck's soft tissues, discs, and nerves.

• Moreover, if a patient has a disease that affects the spinal cord or nerves such as multiple sclerosis or a herniated disc, an MRI Cervical Spine will be necessary. Additionally, it can be used to track how well treatments are working and how quickly diseases are developing.

• Patients who require an MRI of the Cervical Spine are those who have persistent neck pain, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms.

• Individuals who have been involved in an accident or have suffered a fall that has caused trauma to the neck may also be advised to have this test to check for any injuries or damage to the cervical spine.

• People with certain diseases that affect the spine or nerves such as osteoarthritis, herniated discs, or multiple sclerosis may also require this test. It can be used to track how these illnesses are developing and assess how well the current course of treatment is working. 

• The MRI Cervical Spine measures the structure of the cervical spine, including the spinal cord, the discs that separate the vertebrae, the vertebrae themselves, and the gaps that separate the spinal cord from the vertebrae. It provides detailed images of diagnoses to help in the diagnosis of various conditions.

• It can also measure any abnormalities or changes in these structures. For instance, it can identify tumors in the spine, spinal stenosis, or bulging or herniated discs.

• Besides, this test can measure the flow of blood in the arteries of the neck. This can be useful in diagnosing conditions that affect blood flow such as arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

• An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the cervical spine creates precise images of your neck without causing any pain or invasiveness. The means of radio waves and a sizable magnet produces these images.

• MRI can capture images of your cervical spine in different planes, such as from the side, front, or top down. This is incredibly helpful in diagnosing a wide range of problems.

• The magnetic field momentarily realigns your body's hydrogen atoms during an MRI. These aligned particles emit small signals when exposed to radio waves, which are then exploited to form cross-sectional MRI pictures.

The MRI machine can also produce 3D images that can be viewed from different angles.

Before the test, you will be asked to remove all jewelry and other metallic accessories that can interfere with the machine.

You should inform your doctor if you have any internal devices, such as a pacemaker, cochlear implants, certain types of vascular stents, certain types of heart valves, or metal fragments in your eyes or in certain parts of your body.

You should also inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Though MRI is safe, the effects of strong magnetic fields on a fetus are not well understood.

You might be asked to change into a hospital gown. Alternatively, you could wear clothes without zippers or metal buttons.

In some cases, you may be injected with a contrast dye to help enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels.

• You will be asked to lie down on a movable table that slides into the circular opening of the MRI machine.

• Technicians will monitor you from another room. You can talk with them through a two-way intercom.

• A powerful magnetic field is produced around you by the MRI scanner, and radio waves are pointed at your body. You will not feel anything during the test.

• The procedure is painless. You will not have to hold your breath, but you will be asked to stay still, as movement can blur the images.

• The machine may make loud tapping, knocking, or other noises. You might be offered earplugs or headphones to help block out the noise.

• An MRI can last up to an hour or more. Once the test is complete, you can resume your normal activities.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive, extremely sophisticated imaging method of the cervical spine. It combines radio waves and magnetic fields to highlight the cervical spine's complex anatomical composition. The top seven vertebrae make up the cervical spine surmounting the spinal cord and located normal MR CERVICAL SPINE shows the following:

• Each vertebra in the cervical spine appears well-aligned and has normal spacing.

• Discs between vertebrae should be intact with no signs of bulging, herniation, or degeneration.

• The spinal cord and nerve roots appear normal, with no signs of compression or damage.

• No presence of tumors, cysts, or other abnormal growths.

An abnormal MRI of the cervical spine can be due to various reasons, including:

• Inflammation or swelling in the spinal cord or surrounding tissues.

• Disc degeneration, bulging disc, or herniated discs.

• Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal.

• Spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis.

• Presence of tumors or cysts.

• Infections affecting the spinal cord or vertebrae.

Here are some tips to maintain a healthy cervical spine:

• Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can help maintain the flexibility and health of your spine.

• Proper Posture: Maintaining proper posture, especially when sitting for long hours, can prevent strain on your cervical spine.

• Balanced Diet: Maintaining bone health and preventing degenerative disc disorders can be achieved by eating a balanced diet full of vital nutrients.

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking raises the possibility of spinal issues such as disc degeneration.

• Regular Check-ups: Regular health check-ups can help detect any potential issues early and enable timely treatment.

Here are some precautions and aftercare tips to consider post-MRI Cervical Spine

• Rest and Relax: After the procedure, take it easy for a few hours and avoid any strenuous activities.

• Follow Doctor's Advice: Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any medications or follow-up procedures.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help your body recover from the procedure.

• Report Any Symptoms: If you experience any unusual symptoms like dizziness, pain, or fever after the procedure, contact your doctor immediately.

• Precision: Every lab acknowledged by Bajaj Finserv Health employs advanced technologies, ensuring the highest level of accuracy in the results.

• Cost-effectiveness: Our diagnostic tests and service providers are comprehensive, ensuring your finances are not excessively burdened.

• Home-based sample collection: We offer the convenience of having your samples collected from your home at a time that suits you.

• Nationwide availability: Regardless of your location in the country, our medical test services are accessible.

• Convenient payments: You can choose either cash or digital payment options.