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Health Information and Tools > Tests & Treatments >  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine

Test Overview

An MRI is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the spine. In many cases, an MRI gives different information than an X-ray, an ultrasound, or a CT scan. An MRI also may show problems that can't be seen with other imaging tests.

For an MRI, your body is placed inside a machine that contains a strong magnet. Pictures from an MRI can be saved and stored on a computer for further study. In some cases, a contrast material may be used during the MRI to show certain parts of the body more clearly.

The MRI can find changes in the spine and in other tissues. It also can find problems such as infection or a tumour. MRI can look at the spine in the neck (cervical), upper back (thoracic), or lower back (lumbosacral). The entire spine can be seen in one series of pictures to find a tumour. More detailed pictures of one area, such as the lumbar spine, may be taken.

MRI may be used to check low back problems.

There are two main types of MRI—the standard MRI machine and the open MRI machine.

What an MRI image looks like

Images of normal discs and a herniated disc.

Image courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. All rights reserved.

A side view of the lumbar spine shows normal discs, spinal canal, and nerve roots (see figure 1). Nerve roots normally float in the fluid-filled canal. Figure 2 shows a small herniated disc pushing into the canal toward nerve roots.

Related Videos

Information about Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Information about Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.