Spine

MRI images of the spine

Image of the human body showing the spine in focus MRI is the investigative tool of choice for imaging the spine, not just in showing the vertebrae (the 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. It's excellent at visualising degenerative changes, such as those seen in arthritis where the condition can narrow the bony spaces through which the spinal nerves pass, causing pain.

MRI can also show 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 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. If you're having an MRI scan of the spine, you'll typically need to lie flat, especially for the thoracic spine or upper back.

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