Spine MRI

An MRI of the spine — cervical, thoracic or lumbar — frequently arranged within Altoa's orthopedics pathway, where the orthopedist orders MRI if examination indicates it. Spine MRI shows discs, vertebrae, the spinal cord and nerve roots in detail without radiation, and is the standard imaging for back pain, sciatica, suspected disc herniation and nerve compression. Altoa books and escorts you to an accredited partner facility and returns a radiologist's written report.

Spine MRI images the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding soft tissue using magnetic resonance rather than X-rays, giving the soft-tissue contrast needed to assess disc herniation, nerve-root compression, spinal stenosis, degenerative change and cord pathology. It is typically requested for persistent back or neck pain, radiating limb pain (sciatica or brachialgia), weakness or numbness, and post-injury assessment. In Altoa's model, spine MRI is often the imaging step of its orthopedics program, where an orthopedist first performs a structured assessment (inspection, palpation, joint range of motion, muscle strength) and orders MRI when warranted; it is also available through the express pathway with a referral (from 2 100 Kč) or without (4 500 Kč, including a specialist consult to confirm the right level — cervical, thoracic or lumbar). The coordinator then books the scan at a partner facility — Nemocnice Hořovice (AKESO), Rehabilitační nemocnice Beroun or Multiscan Pardubice — and escorts you. The examination of one spinal region usually takes 20–40 minutes; you remove all metal, lie still on the motorised table, and wear provided ear protection while sequences are acquired. Imaging more than one spinal region lengthens the appointment and may be priced separately. The partner radiologist interprets the study and issues a written report, which the orthopedist or referring specialist can review with you. Preparation: bring your referral and any prior spine imaging; disclose pacemakers, implants, metal fragments, claustrophobia or pregnancy. Findings should be interpreted alongside the clinical examination by the reviewing physician.