Cervical Spine MRI - Overview & Technique

• An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) cervical spine is a imaging technique that uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and computers to produce detailed images of the internal structure of the cervical spine including the vertebrae, disks, spinal cord, and nerves.
• An MRI scan is conducted by a radiologist and can be performed at an imaging center, hospital, or via teleradiology.
• Medical imaging produced by a MRI scan can be converted into three-dimensional pictures - this allows the problems within the cervical spine to be more accurately diagnosed and treated.
• Results are read by an on-site radiologist or a teleradiologist.

Cervical Spine MRI - Alternative Names and Explanations

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cervical Spine, MR Imaging of the Cervical Spine, MRI of the Cervical Spine,C Cervical Spine MRI, MRI Cervical Spine w/o contrast CPT code 72141, MRI Cervical Spine with & w/o contrast CPT code 72156

Cervical Spine MRI - Benefits versus Other Diagnostic Tests

• In contrast to a x-ray, CAT scan or CT scan, a MRI scan is the most sensitive image testing currently available. It allows doctors to assess the anatomy of the cervical spine and visualize differences between diseased and healthy tissue in the cervical spine.
• A MRI scan of the cervical spine can help doctors understand why a patient is experiencing symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness/tingling in the arms, shoulder or neck.
• A MRI scan can aid doctors and patients in planning spinal surgery and monitoring changes in the spine.
• Some imaging techniques, such as a x-ray, CAT scan or CT scan, use an iodine-based contrast material. These contrast materials are likely to cause allergic reactions in patients.  MRI scans usually do not need IV contrast when evaluating the cervical spine.  When they do, gadolinium based contrast is much less of an allergic antigen that CT scan based iodinated contrast medium.
• With a MRI scan, the contrast material used is less likely to produce allergic reactions in patients compared to the contrast material used in a x-ray, CAT scan or CT scan.

MRI of the Cervical Spine – Indications, Common Uses, & Positive Findings

• Spinal injury or trauma
• Cancer or tumors of the spine (primary cervical cancer of the spine, spinal cord, or meninges)
• Spinal abnormalities
• Compression fractures
• Inflamed or compressed nerves
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal stenosis (weakness, nerve root compression, muscle wasting)
• Cervical myelopathy or cervical nerve root compression
• Scoliosis
• Congenital or acquired spinal abnormalities in children

MRI of the Cervical Spine - Images

MRI of the Cervical Spine – References, Links, and Other Information

• RadiologyInfo – Musculoskeletal MRI page

Schedule Your Cervical Spine MRI Today! 

• If you are looking for professional radiology services at your imaging site/center, or Teleradiology Services, call us at 1-800-626-8315 or contact us for a consultation. 

• If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Mid-Wilshire and need to schedule a radiology examination such as a MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, X ray, or PET scan, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

• If you are in search of other things, we're surprisingly resourceful!  Call us 1-800-626-8315 or contact us via our contact form.

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• Cervical MRI, mri of the cervical spine, spine mri, mri overview, mri positive findings, los angeles, glendale, beverly hills
• Cervical spine mri informational page outlining the benefits and common positive findings. Schedule an MRI in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or Glendale California (CA).
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