Spine MRI

neck MRI · lower back MRI · lumbar MRI · back scan

Pictures of the spine, discs, and nerves taken in a magnetic field. There is no radiation. Usually one part is scanned: the neck, the upper back, or the lower back.

For back or neck pain that does not go away, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, after an injury, and before surgery.

⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 40 minutes for one part of the spine

Be sure to tell your doctor

A pacemaker, defibrillator, or other electronic implant
Metal in your body: joint replacements, plates, clips on blood vessels, or metal fragments
A hearing implant or an insulin pump
If you are pregnant
If you are afraid of closed spaces
If contrast is planned: kidney disease or allergy to contrast
If pain makes it hard to lie on your back for a long time

How to prepare

Metal. At home, take off jewelry, piercings, and your watch. No metal is allowed in the scan room.
Clothes. Wear comfortable clothes with no metal: no zips, snaps, or underwire. You are often given a disposable gown.
Makeup. Do not wear mascara or glittery eye shadow. They can contain tiny bits of metal.
Pain. If lying down hurts, ask your doctor in advance if you can take your usual painkiller before the scan.

What to bring

Your referral
Past MRI or CT scans and reports
Documents for any implants you have

How it goes

You leave your phone, keys, cards, and anything metal in a locker
You lie on the scanner table and get headphones or earplugs. The machine is noisy
You lie on your back. A pad may be put under your knees to make it easier
The table slides into the scanner tunnel
Lie still. The staff can talk to you over a speaker
You hold a call button. You can press it at any time

What you'll feel

Loud knocking and humming. This is normal
Sometimes slight warmth in the part of the body being scanned
If contrast is given, a cool feeling in the vein. It passes quickly
Lying on your back for a long time can be hard. Say so if it starts to hurt

Afterwards

You can go back to your day straight away
The report is usually ready the same day or in 1 to 2 days
If you had contrast, drink more water that day, unless your doctor said not to

Contact a doctor straight away if

Sudden weakness in the legs, numbness between the legs, or problems passing urine: do not wait for the MRI. Call emergency services

Common questions

How many parts of the spine are scanned at once?

Usually one, as on your referral. Several parts can be done in one visit, but it takes longer.

Can I have an MRI if I have metal in my body?

Often yes, but the doctor decides. Tell them about any implant in advance and bring its documents.

Spine MRI or CT: which is better?

MRI shows discs, nerves, and the spinal cord better. CT shows bones better. The doctor decides what you need.