MRI Cervical Spine Centre in Delhi

MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cervical spine is a diagnostic technique used to get detailed images of the shoulder joint and tissues around. It is a non-invasive and painless medical technique,  to create images that use radio waves and magnetic fields. It helps doctors to find out the root-cause of neck pain, shoulder pain, upper back, or arm pain, as well as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand. 

Why Is Cervical Spine MRI Done?

A cervical spine MRI is able to detect many conditions in the neck and upper back area, including issues with the soft tissues, such as the spinal cord, nerves, and disks. This cervical spine MRI scan is used to help diagnose conditions like- 

• Tumors in bones or soft tissues.
• Herniated discs.
• Aneurysms, which are bulges in arteries.
• Soft tissue disorders, bone abnormalities, or joint disorders.

How Does an MRI Work?

The question is how does this MRI machine work?How does it calculate and provide detailed images of the soft tissues? Here are some steps that MRI machine follows to create detailed images of the organs – 

• An MRI uses high magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed 3D images of the spine and other parts of the body. 

• The human body contains 70-80% water, so it basically contains millions of hydrogen atoms. When these atoms contact the MRI’s magnetic field, they all line up in the same direction. MRI disrupts this alignment when they’re added to the magnetic field.

• Once the radiofrequency is turned off, the hydrogen atoms return to their original position. The results are translated into images.

Why is Cervical MRI Important?

A cervical spine MRI is used to diagnose the cause of neck pain. It’s often performed in persistent pain and hasn’t improved with treatment. It might be done if the pain is accompanied by numbness or weakness.

A cervical MRI is able to show- 

• An infection in or near the spine.
• Injury or trauma.
• Abnormal curvature of the spine.
• cancer or tumors of the spine
• Birth defects or deformities.

How to Prepare for the Cervical MRI?

Here are some points you need to know about before undergoing the process of Cervical MRI which can help you to avoid future discrepancies-

• Ask your doctor if you can drink water before the test.
• Inform your doctor if you’ve kidney problems or diabetes. 
• You might need a kidney function test, if the doctor will use contrast dye.
• If you’re pregnant, inform your doctor and after MRI, do not breastfeed your baby for at least 24-48 hours.
• If you’ve claustrophobia or fear of closed spaces, inform your doctor. 
• Remove every metal object from your body, as MRI contains high magnetic fields it can harm you. 
• Your doctor might suggest an open bore MRI test if you’ve claustrophobia.

What Does the Normal and Abnormal Result Mean?

• A normal MRI result shows that the part of the spine that passes through your neck and nearby nerves are normal.
• On the other hand, abnormal results can show a herniated disc, narrow spine, and cartilage in the neck. 

Abnormal results may also be due to- 

• Changes due to age.
• Bone infection.
• Disk inflammation.
• Infection of the spine.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Spinal cord injury.
• Spinal fracture.
• Spinal tumor.
• Abnormality from birth or growth.

What Are the Risk Factors Involved in MRI Cervical Scan?

• MRI uses no radiation. 
• There are no reported side effects from the magnetic fields and radio waves which can be harmful.
• It is also safe to have MRI performed during pregnancy.
• If the contrast dye is used then you might have an allergy, but the chances of getting it are very low. 

Conclusion

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cervical spine is a diagnostic technique used to get detailed images of the shoulder joint. It might cause severe injuries in the shoulder or joints if it’s untreated.If you’re feeling pain, muscle pain, bone pain, infection around spine you should choose CareBox to book an MRI cervical scan in Delhi.