Cervical Spine MRI

MRI of the cervical spine (C1-C7) without contrast, evaluating intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, and facet joints. Commonly used for neck pain and radiculopathy.

The cervical spine MRI at Affidea images the seven cervical vertebrae, their intervertebral discs, the spinal cord, exiting nerve roots, and supporting ligaments. The protocol uses sagittal and axial T1- and T2-weighted sequences plus STIR for bone marrow oedema detection. Disc herniations, bulges, and osteophyte complexes are documented at each level. The spinal cord is assessed for compression, myelopathic signal change, and syrinx formation. Neural foramina are evaluated for stenosis that may cause cervical radiculopathy with arm pain, numbness, or weakness. This scan is appropriate for patients with persistent neck pain, upper limb symptoms following a nerve root distribution, post-whiplash assessment, and as a pre-surgical evaluation before cervical disc surgery or fusion. The examination takes approximately 25 minutes and does not require contrast for standard indications.