Spinal MRI exams are normally categorized by specific spinal regions (cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine,) Each spinal MRI looks at bones, spinal cord, discs, and surrounding and supporting soft tissues for that region of the spinal column.
Cervical spine MRI (neck and upper back)
A creates detailed images of the neck and upper back area (cervical spine) that can assist with diagnosing different conditions. Generally, it is used when a doctor thinks there are possible issues with the spinal cord, nerves, discs, or any of the soft tissues around the neck area.
Thoracic spine
The thoracic spine contains T1 through T12 vertebrae in your upper midrange back and also influences the thoracic vertebrae that help the function of hands, arms, fingers, chest muscles and abdominal. muscles, reproductive organs, and bladder and thoracic spinal vertebrae protects the spinal cord, provides the rib cage with structure, and supports the neck and upper spine.
Lumbar Spine
lumbar spine MRI is a type of diagnostic imaging modality that uses MRI technology to take high-quality images of the lumbar spine—from L1 – L5 vertebrae, the intervertebral discs. the spinal cord, the nerve roots, and the adjacent soft tissues. MRI of the lumbar spine is a common test for diagnosis and assessment of various pathologies involving the lumbar spine.
Whole spine MRI
Sometimes a scan of the whole disposable “Whole Spine god” (Cervical, Thoratic, Lumbar) is performed to assess widespread spinal problems or conditions that involve all regions of the spine.
Common Reasons for Surgery:
Myelopathy: Symptoms of hand dexterity, gait disturbances, clumsiness or change in bowel/bladder function, which may occur with compression of the spinal cord.
Assessment post trauma: To determine if there are any fractures, ligamentous injuries or status after an incident or fall that may have resulted in damage to the consistency of the spinal cord.
Unrelenting neck or upper back pain: Generally when it is severe, unrelenting or does not respond to conservative management strategies such as rest or medications.
Radiculopathy: This condition manifests with pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms stemming from the neck. Generally, this is related to compression of the nerve root.
Monitoring chronic spinal conditions such as osteoarthritis or status post spinal surgery.
Excluding infection, neoplasia or congenital defects in particular when symptomatically or with prior testing a suspicion is raised.
MRI with contrast:
A contrast medium injection (commonly gadolinium) is administered into a patient’s vein increasing the visibility of certain structures or abnormal findings.
When is contrast required:
Contrast may be required to improve visualization of inflammation, infections, tumors, blood vessels, and post Extraspinal neuropods to a contrast. The intent entails examining material implanted and post-surgery changes.
When contrast may not be required:
In the presence of certain conditions that are a concern for herniated discs and spinal stenosis, an MRI may be sufficient.
Whole spine MRI:
May be ordered to evaluate the complete spine, which includes cervical, thoracic, and lumbar areas.
Open vs. closed-bore MRI:
Open MRI machines have more space to move around in, while closed-bore machines usually provide better quality images.
Conclusion
There are types of spine MRI that are specific to the region of interest and clinical indication because these images allow for detailed characterization of the vertebrae, discs, spinal cord, nerves, and adjacent soft tissues. The use of targeted MRI scans assists with the appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning or monitoring of a spine condition without the use of ionizing radiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many types of MRI spine are there?
The spinal MRI consists of three major types of the spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back), and whole spine.
Is there a special MRI for looking at the spine?
Yes, there are different types of MRI scans intended for different areas of the spine. They are cervical( neck), thoracic (mid – back,) and lumbar (lower back) spine MRIs.
Q. T1 or T2 MRI better?
Neither T1 nor T2 MRI is “better” than the other.T1-weighted images are good to demonstrate anatomy and fat, while T2-weighted images are good to demonstrate fluid, or highlight anomalies such as swelling or inflammatory changes.
What diseases can a spine MRI show?
Spine MRIs can detect many spine-affecting issues, ranging from injuries and structural concerns to diseases. It can assist in the detection of herniated discs, spinal stenosis, tumors, infections, inflammatory disease, and diagnose otherwise unexplained complaints about back pain and other disabilities.
Q. What is the full form of MRI?
The full form of MRI is Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
