Cervical Spine MRI in St. Louis — $399 Flat Rate
Cervical spine MRI images the neck from the skull base through the upper back. It is often the right study when neck pain comes with arm symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain that travels below the shoulder.
A doctor's order is required — your provider can fax it to (314) 804-7226.
A Doctor's Order Is Required
We require a doctor's order before we can perform an MRI, and so do Medicare and most insurance plans. No order yet? We can help you get one — most patients arrange it in a day or two.
What the Radiologist Looks For
- Cervical disc herniation and nerve root compression
- Cervical stenosis and cord compression
- Myelopathy and cord signal change
- Foraminal narrowing causing radiculopathy
- Degenerative changes and osteophyte formation
- Whiplash-associated soft tissue and ligament injury
- Post-surgical assessment after fusion or discectomy
Who Orders This
Ordered for neck pain with arm radiation, hand numbness or clumsiness, gait changes, or after a motor vehicle collision.
How to Prepare
- No fasting or special preparation.
- No necklaces, earrings, or hair accessories with metal.
- Skip hairspray, gel, and dry shampoo the day of your scan — some contain metallic particles.
- If you wear a cervical collar, bring it but plan to remove it for the scan.
Common Questions
Yes. Unlike a lumbar study, the cervical spine requires your head and neck to be inside the bore. If you are claustrophobic, tell us when booking and we will talk through options before your appointment.
Sometimes. Cervicogenic headaches originating from the upper neck joints can show related findings. Headaches suspected to originate in the brain itself need a brain MRI instead.
Only if you have symptoms in both regions. Each is a separate study at $399. Scan the region that matches your symptoms first.
New to MRIs? Read our complete guide to what to expect · More questions? See all FAQs · Read patient reviews
Related Scans
Request Your Cervical spine MRI
Flat rate $399. No insurance required. Same-day appointments by phone.