A doctor might order a neck MRI (cervical MRI) for a variety of reasons but chiefly to get detailed images of the cervical spine and the soft tissues around it to help diagnose, or monitor, multiple medical conditions. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is especially valuable because it provides high-resolution cross-sectional images, and it does not deliver ionizing radiation to the patient, allowing for safer study with respect to repeat exams when compared to X-ray or CT scans.
Doctor would get an MRI of the neck (cervical spine) in order to obtain images of the bones, soft tissues, spinal cord, and neck nerves. MRI is a useful non-invasive test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves and is more effective than X-rays or CT in imaging the soft tissues of the cervical spine.
Primary Reasons for Ordering a Neck MRI
A neck MRI generally creates many opportunities to order because there are, at least, a few relevant reasons to investigate for MRI in the neck for an individual, primarily to help understand persistent or severe neck pain, especially when the pain is chronic and has not responded to conservative means or when there are other concerning symptoms.
For disc-related issues, an MRI is particularly effective in identifying disc herniation, bulging, or degeneration, as the problem can be impacting nerves or the spinal cord.
Additionally, when the doctor is concerned about the possibility of a mass lesion, cysts or an infectious process in the neck, spinal cord or surrounding tissues, or narrowed areas along the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), an MRI is very helpful. When there are unexplainable neurological presentations such as gait difficulties, balance issues or change in bowel/bladder function, performing a neck MRI is warranted to evaluate the potential neurological compromise in the spinal cord.
From a surgical perspective of a neck MRI, there are a variety of reasons that develop into the consideration for pre-operative and also a post-operative scan. An MRI might be indicated to monitor the progression of chronic problems such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis and to evaluate the impact of treatment on a chronic problem.
Chronic Neck Pain With Neurological Symptoms:
Radiating neck pain: If a person has rotational neck pain and also has numbness, tingling, weakness or pain radiating down into their arms or into their shoulders, an MRI will determine which potential causes exist, such as nerve compression caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Progressive neurological symptoms: If there is progressive combined upper limb weakness, decreased confidence with walking, any balance issues, loss of coordination, or changes in bowel/bladder control or function, then the MRI will rule out spinal cord compression (myelopathy) and more serious neurological conditions.
Potential disc issues: Herniated discs or bulging discs: An MRI presents a clear image of the intervertebral discs, which allows the physician to determine if a disc has been dislocated, misplaced, bulged or ruptured and is causing pressure to the spinal cord or the nerve roots.
Degenerative disc disease: Typically a diagnosis in an older client, an MRI will demonstrate degeneration of the discs and any associated arthritis.
Trauma or injury:
Spinal cord injury: Following an accident or trauma (whiplash for instance), an MRI can show fractures, tears in the ligaments, tears in the disc, hematomas, and if there was damage or bruise to the spinal cord itself.
Suspicion of Serious Conditions:
Even though MRI is not typically used in primary care, certain MRIs, probably those that use a contrast agent, may raise greater suspicion of malignancy. While benign mass lesions may also be present, malignant (cancerous) lesions may be suspected based on either imaging or other symptoms on the report. In these circumstances, MRI can identify abnormal mass-like growths in the bone, the spinal cord or surrounding soft tissue. Examples of this include:
– Tumors (benign and/or malignant)
– Infections
– Inflammation
MRI can also show other, more serious conditions. For instance:
Chances of congenital abnormalities, which would have taken place at birth, or deformities in the form of the cervical spine; yes, scoliosis can be visible.
Vascular abnormalities, like a spinal aneurysm (bad bulges in a blood vessel) or other vascular malformation that can potentially press against the spinal cord or its surroundings.
Conclusion
Although neck MRI is a non-invasive imaging test that is radiation-free and shows soft tissues, nerves, and spine structures better than any other imaging test, doctors order this test when serious underlying conditions are suspected or if there is no improvement in symptoms after trying some treatment. MRI can help with diagnosis and management by revealing problems that may not be seen on X-rays or CT’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why would a doctor order an MRI of the neck?
If you have neck pain that radiates down your arms or shoulders, or if you feel numbness or weakness, your doctor may order an MRI of your neck (or cervical spine).
Why would a doctor order an MRI with contrast?
A physician might order an MRI with contrast when they need additional information about a health problem, especially in order to visualize soft tissues, small blood vessels, or areas of inflammation or infection that may not be adequately seen with a colon MRI.
What is a neck MRI used for?
A neck MRI, or cervical spine MRI, is an imaging procedure and analysis used to visualize the region of the neck and upper back, including bones, spinal cord, nerve roots, and soft tissue.
Why is the doctor sending me for an MRI?
Many doctors order MRIs to image soft tissue for the detection of a myriad of conditions; especially whenever a high precision image is preferred. But MRIs are useful to study our musculoskeletal system and its components (including joints, ligaments, and tendons).
Q. How to find the best imaging centre near me in Delhi NCR?
You can just type best imaging centre near me on Google or directly contact carebox for consultation.
