MRI Scan Guide
Overview
A cervical spine MRI produces detailed images of the neck region, including the cervical vertebrae (C1 through C7), intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues. It is the most accurate method for diagnosing causes of neck pain and arm symptoms.
Cervical MRI is used to evaluate disc herniations, spinal cord compression, cervical stenosis, nerve root impingement, and degenerative changes. It is also important after whiplash injuries and in evaluating neurological symptoms originating from the neck.
The scan is painless, does not use radiation, and requires no recovery time.
The procedure
You lie on your back with your head positioned in a head and neck coil. The table slides into the scanner, and images of the cervical spine are acquired over approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Multiple sequences are used to evaluate the discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, and bony structures. You will hear loud tapping sounds during the scan.
Diagnostic value
Preparation
No fasting is required.
Remove necklaces, earrings, hair clips, and any metal from around the head and neck.
Wear a top without metal fastenings.
Inform the radiographer about any implants, dental hardware, or metal in your body.
Pain, numbness, or tingling radiating down the arm often originates from nerve compression in the cervical spine. A cervical disc herniation or bone spur can press on nerve roots as they exit the spinal canal, causing symptoms in the shoulder, arm, or hand. Cervical MRI can pinpoint the exact level and cause of nerve compression, guiding treatment decisions.
Whiplash injuries from car accidents or sports can damage ligaments, discs, and soft tissues in the neck. While symptoms often resolve with conservative treatment, persistent pain after a whiplash injury may warrant MRI to rule out disc herniations, ligament tears, or spinal cord injury.
Understanding your results
Every Mira scan comes with two reports. A medical report from a radiologist for your doctor, and a miraclarity report for you. The miraclarity report explains your neck (cervical) MRI findings in straightforward language with visual guides, severity indicators, and recommended next steps.
No jargon. No waiting for another appointment just to understand what your scan found. miraclarity is included free with every scan.
Book your scan
Yes. MRI clearly shows disc herniations, bone spurs, and other structures that can compress nerve roots in the cervical spine.
A typical cervical spine MRI takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Cervical MRI covers the neck (C1-C7). Lumbar MRI covers the lower back (L1-S1). They are separate scans targeting different regions of the spine.
If you have persistent neck pain, arm symptoms, or neurological signs after a car accident, a cervical MRI can help identify injuries that may not be visible on X-ray.
A knee MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the knee joint. Unlike X-rays, which show only bones, MRI reveals soft tissues including ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and the meniscus. This makes it the primary diagnostic tool for knee injuries and conditions.
A brain MRI produces highly detailed images of the brain, brainstem, and surrounding structures. It is the preferred imaging method for evaluating neurological symptoms because it provides superior soft tissue contrast compared to CT and does not use ionizing radiation.
A lumbar spine MRI produces detailed images of the lower back, including the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues. It is the most accurate non-invasive method for diagnosing causes of lower back pain.
A shoulder MRI provides highly detailed images of the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones of the shoulder joint. It is the most reliable non-invasive method for diagnosing shoulder injuries.
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