Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the spine. In many cases MRI gives different information about structures in the body than can be seen with an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. MRI also may show problems that cannot be seen with other imaging methods.

For an MRI test, your body is placed inside a special machine that contains a strong magnet. Pictures from an MRI scan are digital images that can be saved and stored on a computer for further study. The images also can be reviewed remotely, such as in a clinic or an operating room. In some cases, a contrast material may be used during the MRI scan to show certain structures more clearly.

The MRI can find changes from the normal in the spine and in other tissues. It also can find problems such as infection or a tumor. MRI can look at the spine in the neck (cervical spine), upper back (thoracic spine), or lower back (lumbosacral spine). The entire spine can be seen in one series of pictures to find a tumor. More detailed pictures of one area may be taken. See MRI pictures of the lumbar spine.

MRI may be used to check low back problems. For more information, see:

Should I have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan for low back pain?

See pictures of a standard MRI machine and an open MRI machine.

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Why It Is Done

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine is done to:

• Find problems of the spinal discs, such as a ruptured disc. The test may also show if a disc is pressing on a nerve, causing symptoms such as sciatica.
• Find areas of the spine where the canal is abnormally narrowed (spinal stenosis) and may need surgery.
• Find tumors affecting the bones or nerves of the spine. The tumors that most commonly spread to the spine include those from prostate, breast, or lung cancer.
• Check areas of joint inflammation (arthritis) or bone loss found during an X-ray test or a bone scan.
• Find areas of the spine that do not have good blood supply.
• Find an infection.
• Find nerve damage caused by injury or disease, such as multiple sclerosis.
• Check problems of the spine that have been present since birth (congenital).

An MRI may be done using contrast material to see abnormal tissue more clearly. The contrast material also may help distinguish between old surgical scars and a new disease or injury.