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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine

(continued)

How It Feels

You will not have pain from the magnetic field or radio waves used for the MRI. The table you lie on may feel hard, and the room may be cool. You may be tired or sore from lying in one position for a long time.

If a contrast material is used, you may feel some coolness and flushing as it is put into your IV.

In rare cases, you may feel:

A tingling feeling in the mouth if you have metal dental fillings.
Warmth in the area being examined. This is normal. Tell the technologist if you have nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, pain, burning, or breathing problems.

Risks

There are no known harmful effects from the strong magnetic field used for MRI. But the magnet is very powerful. The magnet may affect pacemakers, artificial limbs, and other medical devices that contain iron. The magnet will stop a watch that is close to the magnet. Any loose metal object has the risk of causing damage or injury if it gets pulled toward the strong magnet.

Metal parts in the eyes can damage the retina. If you may have metal fragments in the eye, an X-ray of the eyes may be done before the MRI. If metal is found, the MRI will not be done.

Iron pigments in tattoos or tattooed eyeliner can cause skin or eye irritation.

An MRI can cause a burn with some medicine patches. Be sure to tell your health professional if you are wearing a patch.

There is a slight risk of an allergic reaction if contrast material is used during the MRI. But most reactions are mild and can be treated using medicine. There also is a slight risk of an infection at the IV site.

Results

The radiologist may discuss some of the results of the MRI with you right after the test. Complete results are usually ready for your doctor in 1 to 2 days.

**MRI of the spine**
Normal:	The bones of the spine, discs, and nerves are normal.
	No tumors, inflammation, or areas of nerve damage in the spine are present.
	No disease or bone loss in the spine is present.
	No ruptured discs are present. There are no structures pressing on a nerve.
	No structural problems that have been present from birth (congenital problems) are found.
Abnormal:	Tumors, inflammation, or areas of nerve damage in the spine are present. A disease of the spinal cord, such as multiple sclerosis, is found.
	Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) is present.
	Broken bones or bone loss in the spine caused by injury or disease, such as arthritis, is found.
	One or more discs of the spine are bulging or ruptured or pressing on a nerve.
	A condition that has been present from birth (congenital condition) is found in the spine or the vertebrae.

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 16, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.