About a thoracic spine MRI scan
The thoracic spine is the middle section of the spine, made up of 12 vertebrae (T1 to T12) between the neck and the lower back. Each vertebra is joined to a pair of ribs, which makes this part of the spine stiffer and more stable than the neck or lower back. The spinal cord runs through it, with nerves branching off around the chest and tummy. A thoracic spine MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, to show the bones, discs, spinal cord and nerves.
Upper back pain is often caused by muscle strain or posture and usually gets better without a scan. A thoracic spine MRI may be used when pain does not settle, or when there are symptoms that suggest something else is going on, such as:
- pain that wraps around the chest or tummy in a band, which can be caused by an irritated nerve
- a slipped (herniated) disc, which is much less common here than in the neck or lower back, but can press on the spinal cord
- fractures, including collapse of a vertebra caused by osteoporosis
- symptoms of spinal cord problems, such as numbness, weakness or stiffness in the legs, or problems with walking or balance
- changes in the shape of the spine, such as kyphosis or scoliosis, infection and tumours
Disc bulges are often seen on MRI scans of the thoracic spine in people with no symptoms, so the results are always read alongside your symptoms and examination. If symptoms could be coming from more than one part of the spine, a whole spine MRI may be more suitable. You can read more in our article on thoracic spine MRI.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed with a coil under your back. A cushion under your knees can make this more comfortable. 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 breathe gently while the pictures are taken. Contrast dye is not usually needed, but may be used to look for infection, inflammation or tumours; where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.
What the scan can show
A thoracic spine MRI can help to look at:
- disc bulges and herniated discs
- pressure on the spinal cord or nerves
- fractures, including osteoporotic collapse
- problems with the spinal cord, including inflammation and MS
- kyphosis, scoliosis and Scheuermann’s disease
- infection of the bones or discs
- spread of cancer to the spine and other tumours
When to get urgent help: call 999 or go to A&E if you have back pain with new weakness or numbness in your legs, difficulty walking, or new problems controlling your bladder or bowel. If you have had cancer and develop new upper back pain, especially pain that is worse at night or when you cough or strain, contact your cancer team straight away. These can be signs of spinal cord compression, which needs emergency treatment.
Preparing for your scan
No special preparation is needed, and you can eat and drink normally. If lying flat is painful, you may want to take your usual painkillers before your appointment. Upload any previous X-ray, scan or blood test 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
Is upper back pain serious?
Usually not. Most upper back pain is caused by muscle strain or posture and gets better within a few weeks. See a doctor if the pain does not improve, is severe, is worse at night, or comes with other symptoms such as weight loss, fever or numbness.
Can a thoracic MRI show a trapped nerve?
Yes. MRI can show discs and bony changes pressing on the nerves or spinal cord. Pain from a trapped nerve here often wraps around the chest or tummy.
Should I have a thoracic or whole spine scan?
A thoracic spine MRI looks at the middle of the back only. A whole spine MRI is used when symptoms could come from more than one part of the spine. Your referrer will say which is needed; if you are unsure, contact us before booking.
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
- Thoracic disc herniations: diagnosis, surgical techniques, and complication insights (PMC)
- Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine: evaluation of asymptomatic individuals (PubMed)
- NHS – Back pain
- NHS – Kyphosis
- RadiologyInfo.org – MRI of the Spine
- NHS – MRI scan
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.