Multiple sclerosis: An autoimmune condition of the CNS (central nervous system) that can cause many symptoms affecting coordination, muscle weakness, and fatigue.Infections: These could be abscesses or osteomyelitis (infection of the bone).Herniated discs: A condition when vertebral discs slip from their position, leading to significant pain.Degenerative disc disease: Commonly seen in older people and often associated with arthritis.Congenital abnormalities: Birth defects of the cervical spine, which may include scoliosis or other spinal deformities.Cervical canal stenosis: Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal at the area of the neck.Ankylosing spondylitis: An autoimmune arthritic condition that can affect the cervical spine and its surrounding soft tissues.Some conditions that a cervical MRI can detect include: Keep in mind that many of these conditions can also be found in other areas of the spine like the thoracic and lumbar regions (in which case you could get a lumbar spine MRI). What Can a Cervical MRI Scan Detect?Īn MRI of the cervical spine can detect many different medical conditions of the cervical spine. When your healthcare provider is planning on ordering a cervical spine MRI for you, they may use the term “cervical” or “neck” interchangeably. Unlike X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans, an MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures on a computer without the risk of any radiation exposure. It not only produces high-quality images of the cervical spinal bones, but of the surrounding neck soft tissues. What Is a Cervical Spine MRI Scan?Ī cervical MRI scan is a medical imaging test that generates pictures of the cervical, or neck region. This is where the importance of cervical spine MRI comes in. The cervical spine is an intricate area that, if affected, can end up leading to many different symptoms. Supportive tissues, including ligaments and tendons, help keep the vertebrae in place.Įight cervical nerves branch out from the spinal cord to supply senses, such as touch and vibration, as well as control movement of the neck and upper arm. In between the vertebrae are discs, which serve a shock-absorbing function. The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae, seven of which make up the cervical, or neck area. It also contains and protects the spinal cord, which functions as a complex bundle of nervous cells that help send and receive signals to and from the rest of our body. The spine is an important structure in our body that’s responsible for our overall mobility. What’s the Anatomy and Function of the Cervical Spine? We’ll also go over common symptoms and signs of certain cervical spine problems and what a cervical spine MRI can detect. Here, we’ll discuss cervical spine anatomy, how a cervical MRI works, and what to expect on the day of your scan. Unlike an X-ray or CT scan, it poses no radiation risk. It can detect a variety of medical conditions including bulging discs, herniated discs, tumors, aneurysms, and some autoimmune disorders.

Cervical spine MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a useful tool when people have symptoms such as neck pain or numbness in their arms.

Cervical spine arthritis x ray