Spine MRI: Why Is It Done & What Can It Diagnose?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to obtain detailed images of the inside of our body.

MRI of the spine helps in getting detailed, clear, and structured images of the spine and the surrounding tissues.  

Underlying diseases may not always be the reason for back pain.  MRI scan can be conducted on the spine region to detect the problems in the cervical portion of the spine and lumbar region.

MRI of the cervical spine

The cervical spine protects the spinal cord near the neck region and is followed downwards by the thoracic spine. MRI scan, when conducted on the cervical region of the spine, obtains images of the soft tissues around the neck and the cervical spine. It helps in diagnosing the following conditions:

• Development of tumours in your soft tissues or bones

• Herniated or bulging disc

• Aneurysm and other vascular disorders

• Bone or vertebral abnormalities

Why would your doctor suggest a lumbar spine MRI?

Back pain is generally one of the most common complaints and issues that people face- and lower back pain seems to take up the major chunk of it.

The lumbosacral spine also comprises large blood vessels, cartilages, nerves, ligaments, and tendons. Back pain can be from various causes, some of which are noted below:

• Spinal degeneration and injury

• Arthritis (osteoarthritis)

• Osteoporosis

• Ruptured or bulging disc

• Ligament strain or muscle strain

• Slipped disc

• Sciatica

• Abnormal spine curvature

Can underlying medical conditions be a reason for back pain?

Neglecting back pain isn’t a wise thing to do at all. Some underlying medical conditions can lead to severe back pain and should be diagnosed at an earlier stage to avoid complications. Medical conditions that can lead to back pain are as follows:

• Cancer of the spine

• Cauda equina syndrome

• Spinal infections

• Meningitis

• Shingles

Understanding that back pain is something that shouldn’t be neglected but treated as soon as possible is crucial. For diagnosing the root cause of the pain in the spine, doctors recommend an MRI scan over a CT scan. This is because an MRI scan can obtain the details of the condition of your soft tissues in the back. As MRI is a powerful and noninvasive diagnostic tool, it’s more authentic and recommendable.

If you are about to go for spinal surgery, that can also be a reason for your doctor to conduct an MRI scan to better treat your condition. An MRI scan of the lumbar region consists of the images of the bones, discs, spinal cord, and spaces between the vertebral columns through which the nerves pass, unlike images produced through ultrasound, x-ray, and CT-scan.

What can an MRI scan of the lumbar detect?

• Spinal alignment

• Tumours or growth of tumours on or around the spinal cord

• Detects any inflammation of the nerves and the spinal cord

• Abnormalities of the spinal cord

• Monitoring the spine after an operation

• Monitoring damage to the spine after an injury

An MRI scan for the following reasons can also be recommended

• A sudden back pain accompanied by fever

• Trauma to the lower spine

• Uninterrupted or tenacious lower back pain

• Multiple sclerosis

• Leg pain that advocates a lumbar disc herniation

• Bladder or bowel incontinence

What are the risks of a lumbar spine MRI scan?

MRI scan has been considered to be a safer and a wiser alternative in general, and also when it comes to growing children and pregnant women as it doesn’t use any ionizing radiation, unlike X-ray and CT-scan.  

Tips to prepare for a lumbar spine MRI scan

• Remove all types of jewellery or piercings

• No hair accessories

• Do not apply any makeup

• Stay still during the whole procedure

• Inform your doctor if you have any tattoos

 In case you have anxiety or if you are claustrophobic, inform your doctor before the scan. 

The Takeaway

Once you know what to expect before and during an MRI scan, the procedure becomes much less intimidating. This medical imaging technique is not only painless but risk-free as well. It also gives your doctor valuable insights into what may be happening inside your body.