If your physician suggests that you undergo a cervical spine MRI of your neck, you probably have several things running through your mind at this very moment. Regardless of whether you are suffering from constant neck pain or numbness in your arms, a cervical MRI scan is among the safest and most effective methods for pinpointing the exact cause of your condition.
Here at Sunset Hills Imaging in St. Louis, we want to provide you with all the necessary information on what you should expect while undergoing your scan.
Why Do I Need a Cervical Spine MRI?
A cervical spine MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate extremely sharp, three-dimensional pictures of your neck region. Although a regular X-ray only visualizes your bones, a neck MRI makes it possible for your radiologist at Sunset Hills Imaging to see the soft tissue elements of your cervical spine and the spinal cord itself with great precision.
Your doctor might request this specialized test if you have one or more of the following problems:
- Chronic, severe neck pain
- Pain, tingling, or numbness sensations originating from your neck and spreading through your arms and hands
- Suspected bulging or herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Nerve compression or pinched nerves
What Does a Cervical Spine MRI Show?
A cervical spine MRI specifically focuses on the seven vertebrae in your neck (C1-C7) and the surrounding structures. Our expert radiologist will carefully study your high-quality images to diagnose underlying problems, including:
- Herniated Discs: Discs that slip out of their normal positions and compress surrounding nerves.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Damage to the spinal discs caused by natural wear and tear.
- Bone Spurs: Bony outgrowths that develop along the edges of the vertebrae.
- Spinal Cord Disorders: Any condition directly affecting the spinal cord, including inflammation, injury, or compression
How to Prepare for Your Scan
Preparing for a cervical spine MRI involves minimal effort, but there are a few strict safety guidelines you must follow before your scan at Sunset Hills Imaging:
- No Metal: Because the MRI machine uses a powerful magnetic field, you cannot wear any metal during the procedure. You must remove all jewelry, watches, hairpins, hearing aids, and clothing containing metal zippers or buttons.
- Medical Implants: If you have any metallic implant (such as a pacemaker, cochlear implants, or surgical clip) you must inform our technologists before your neck MRI.
- Contrast Dye: In some cases, your doctor may request an MRI “with contrast.” If so, a technologist will administer a safe intravenous injection of contrast dye (gadolinium) just before your scan begins to help certain tissues show up clearly.
The Procedure: What to Expect
- Positioning: You will lie flat on your back on our cushioned MRI table. For your cervical spine MRI, our technologist will gently place a specialized coil—a comfortable device that acts like an antenna to capture the images—around your head and neck.
- Entering the Machine: The table will then smoothly slide into the scanner. It is absolutely critical that you remain as still as possible; even minor movements, such as swallowing or coughing, can blur the images of your neck.
- The Sound: MRI machines are famously loud! You will hear loud tapping, banging, and buzzing sounds.
- Communication: The entire neck MRI process takes about 20 to 45 minutes. Our technologist will monitor you constantly from an adjacent room, and you will be able to speak with them at any time via a two-way intercom system.
Book Your Cervical MRI in St. Louis
A neck MRI is a painless, non-invasive procedure that provides critical information about your overall spine health.
If you have a doctor’s referral for a cervical spine MRI, you do not have to endure long, stressful hospital wait times. Sunset Hills Imaging in St. Louis offers state-of-the-art diagnostic scans for a highly affordable flat rate of just $399.