An MRI scan can assist your doctor in determining the cause of your neck pain and provide you with the best treatment plan. To give you a more comprehensive idea about this topic, we will discuss what to expect during a neck MRI scan and how it can help diagnose your condition.
A neck MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is a scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the cervical spine. This is the portion of the spine that passes through the neck region. MRI does not use ionising radiation, unlike X-rays, so it is considered a safer imaging modality. These scans are typically acquired in the form of thin slices or individual images. They can be viewed like a stack of photos or reformatted in other ways to better visualise specific structures. Neck MRI images can be printed on film or saved electronically on a computer for future review.
One reason you might need a neck MRI is to get an accurate diagnosis of a medical condition. For example, if you have symptoms like neck pain or stiffness, numbness or tingling in your arms or hands, headache, or problems with balance or walking, your doctor will order an MRI to help find the cause. MRI can also be used to check for issues that might be causing these symptoms, such as a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, or a tumour. In some cases, neck MRI may guide treatment, such as if your doctor needs to place a needle to remove a tissue sample for testing (biopsy).
No special preparation is needed for an MRI of the neck. When it comes to dressing for your MRI, you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You don't need to remove all your clothes, but you will likely need to take off anything that contains metal. You may be asked to drink water before your MRI, depending on the type of scan being done. This is because some tests, such as those that look at the brain and spine, require you to have a full bladder.
When you arrive at the MRI, a technologist will ask for any jewellery or eyeglasses that might be metal. You may also need to remove clothing with fasteners before getting into your gown. The technologist will step out of the room, and a table slides into place. You can see them through an intercom system as they watch over you. Their voice comes directly into each earpiece. The MRI machine is a loud and uncomfortable place to be, so you may receive earplugs so that the noise of the scanning isn't too much for you during a session. If you have any anxiety about the exam, relaxing medication will be offered to you. After the scan is complete, the table slides out and a staff member helps you off of it. You can then get dressed and leave.
After an MRI scan, you can immediately resume your normal activities. There is no need for a healing period or follow-up care. But if you were given medication to help you relax during the scan, you shouldn't drive or operate heavy machinery until it has completely worn off. Your MRI results will be given to your doctor, who will share them with you and discuss the next steps, if any. If your scan shows a problem that needs treatment, your doctor may refer you to a specialist or schedule additional testing.
Accurate diagnosis of conditions affecting the neck: An MRI scan can help to identify the cause of neck pain or stiffness, such as a herniated disc or degenerative disease.
Ability to see details invisible on other imaging tests: MRI scans use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the neck, allowing doctors to notice even minor abnormalities that may not be visible on other types of imaging tests.
No exposure to ionising radiation: Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI scans do not use ionising radiation, making them a safe choice for patients of all ages, including children and pregnant women.
Painless with no known side effects: MRI scans are completely painless and have no known side effects, making them an ideal choice for patients who are unable to tolerate other types of tests.
A doctor may order an MRI to assess the anatomy of the seven cervical spine bones or the spinal cord, or to look for injuries in the area.
The exam will typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, but it could go on for much longer depending on the specific procedure being performed.
A neck MRI can show the bones, disks, soft tissues, and nerves of the cervical spine. This procedure can also reveal problems with the blood vessels and other structures in the neck.
The exam is generally not uncomfortable, but some people may feel claustrophobic inside the MRI machine. This can usually be remedied by taking a sedative before the exam or by wearing earplugs to muffle the noise.
During the exam, your head will be placed inside the machine, and you will lie on your back.
You should follow the instructions given to you by your medical professionals. In some cases, MRI may require that you fast for up to four hours before and drink plenty of water during the procedure. It's crucial to know about any dietary restrictions ahead of time.
No, a doctor will not automatically recommend an MRI. However, an MRI may be recommended if the doctor suspects that there is a problem with the bones, disks, soft tissues, or nerves of the cervical spine. It is essential to talk to your doctor about all of your options before deciding on a course of treatment.
There are no known risks associated with an MRI scan. However, if you have any metal in your body, such as a pacemaker, you should tell your doctor before the exam.