About a cervical spine MRI scan
The cervical spine is the neck part of your spine, made up of seven vertebrae (C1 to C7) with cushioning discs between them. It protects the spinal cord and the nerves that branch off to the shoulders, arms and hands.
An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, to make detailed pictures of the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, spinal cord and nerves. It is the best imaging test for the soft tissues of the spine, and is often used when neck pain does not settle, or when there are symptoms in the arms such as pain spreading down the arm, pins and needles, numbness or weakness, which can be caused by a trapped nerve. Most neck pain gets better on its own within a few weeks, so a scan is usually only needed if symptoms continue or there are signs of nerve involvement.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed with your head and neck in a coil. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and the radiographer can talk to you throughout. You need to keep still, and you may be asked to avoid swallowing during some pictures. Contrast dye is not usually needed, but may be used if infection, a tumour or previous surgery needs to be looked at; where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.
What the scan can show
A cervical spine MRI can help to look at:
- disc bulges and prolapsed (slipped) discs
- trapped or compressed nerves causing arm pain, numbness or weakness
- narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) and pressure on the spinal cord
- wear-and-tear changes in the joints and discs
- injuries to the bones, discs, ligaments and spinal cord, including after whiplash
- inflammation of the spinal cord, such as in multiple sclerosis
- infection and tumours of the spine
- the spine after surgery
When to get urgent help: contact NHS 111 or your GP urgently if neck pain comes with numbness, pins and needles or weakness in your arms or legs, problems with balance or walking, or a high temperature. Call 999 after a serious injury to the neck. Do not wait for a scan.
Preparing for your scan
No special preparation is needed for a cervical spine MRI, and you can eat and drink normally. Avoid wearing make-up, hair clips and jewellery around the neck. If you have had previous neck X-rays or scans, upload the reports when you book.
You can usually eat, drink and take your normal medicines unless the scanning centre tells you otherwise. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips or buttons, and leave jewellery at home. You will be asked to remove metal items such as hair clips, hearing aids, coins and keys, and you may be asked to change into a gown.
Before the scan you will complete a safety questionnaire. Tell the team if you have a pacemaker, any metal implant, surgical clips or other device, if you have kidney problems or allergies, or if you are, or might be, pregnant or breastfeeding. If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, let us know when you book. Some centres can offer a relaxant, and if you take one you will need someone to take you home and must not drive for 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can an MRI show a trapped nerve in my neck?
Yes. MRI shows the discs, joints and nerves in detail, so it can show whether a disc bulge or bony narrowing is pressing on a nerve or on the spinal cord.
Do I need an MRI for neck pain?
Most neck pain improves within a few weeks without a scan. An MRI is more useful if pain lasts longer, spreads into your arm, or comes with numbness, tingling or weakness.
Is the cervical spine the same as the neck soft tissue scan?
No. A cervical spine MRI focuses on the bones, discs, nerves and spinal cord. A soft tissue neck MRI looks at structures in front of the spine, such as the throat, glands and lymph nodes.
Do I need a referral?
You can tell us if you have a referral from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant and upload it when you book. If you do not have one, select “no referral” when you book and the scanning centre will confirm the next steps with you.
Sources
The information on this page has been gathered from various sources and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice. TOP MRI is not liable for the accuracy or completeness of this information. Please speak to your doctor or the scanning centre about your own situation.