MRI of the Spine (One Section)

Magnetic resonance imaging of a single section of the spine — cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar (lower back) — producing detailed cross-sectional pictures of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal canal and surrounding soft tissues without using ionising radiation. At MojaDiagnoza the scan is performed on the centre's own MRI system, most commonly for back or neck pain, sciatica, suspected disc problems or nerve compression. One section is a flat 669 zł, with discounted bundles for two or three sections and a contrast option when needed.

An MRI of the spine uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, rather than X-rays, to build highly detailed images of one region of the spinal column. The spine is divided into three sections — cervical (the neck), thoracic (the mid-back) and lumbar (the lower back) — and this examination covers a single chosen section. Because MRI shows soft tissue so clearly, it is the imaging method usually requested to look at the intervertebral discs, the spinal cord and nerve roots, the facet joints and the bone marrow of the vertebrae, which is why it is so often used to investigate persistent back or neck pain, sciatica, numbness or weakness in the limbs. At MojaDiagnoza the scan is carried out on the centre's own scanner and most examinations are accepted without a referral. You lie still on a motorised table that moves into the bore of the magnet, and the radiographer keeps in contact with you throughout; the section is typically imaged in around fifteen to twenty-five minutes. The machine is noisy during acquisition and headphones or ear protection are provided. A single section costs 669 zł, two sections 1,159 zł and three sections 1,559 zł, with a contrast agent added for 300 zł where the radiologist considers it useful. Images are described by a radiology specialist and made available through the centre's RadPoint online portal, usually within around 96 hours. MRI is well suited to most people, but the strong magnet means it may not be appropriate for those with certain pacemakers, implants or metal fragments, so the team reviews a safety questionnaire before the appointment.