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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. An MRI is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the spine. In many cases, an MRI gives different information than an X-ray, an ultrasound, or a CT scan. An MRI also may show problems that can't be seen with other imaging tests. For an MRI, your body is placed inside a machine that contains a strong magnet. Pictures from an MRI can be saved and stored on a computer for further study. In some cases, a contrast material may be used during the MRI to show certain parts of the body more clearly. The MRI can find changes in the spine and in other tissues. It also can find problems such as infection or a tumor. MRI can look at the spine in the neck (cervical), upper back (thoracic), or lower back (lumbosacral). The entire spine can be seen in one series of pictures to find a tumor. More detailed pictures of one area, such as the lumbar spine, may be taken. MRI may be used to check low back problems. There are two main types of MRI—the standard MRI machine and the open MRI machine. Image courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. All rights reserved. A side view of the lumbar spine shows normal discs, spinal canal, and nerve roots (see figure 1). Nerve roots normally float in the fluid-filled canal. Figure 2 shows a small herniated disc pushing into the canal toward nerve roots. Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. An MRI of the spine is done to: An MRI may be done using contrast material to see abnormal tissue more clearly. The contrast material also may help tell the difference between old surgical scars and a new disease or injury. In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor if you get nervous in tight spaces. You may get a medicine to help you relax. If you think you'll get this medicine, be sure you have someone to take you home. The test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes but can take as long as 2 hours. You won't have pain from the magnetic field or radio waves used for the MRI test. 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 when it is put into your I.V. In rare cases, you may feel: There are no known harmful effects from the strong magnetic field used for an MRI. But the magnet is very powerful. It may affect any metal implants or other medical devices you have. Contrast material that contains gadolinium may be used in this test. But for most people, the benefit of its use in this test outweighs the risk. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or are pregnant. There is a slight chance of an allergic reaction if contrast material is used during the test. But most reactions are mild and can be treated using medicine. If you breastfeed and are concerned about whether the contrast material used in this test is safe, talk to your doctor. Most experts believe that very little dye passes into breast milk and even less is passed on to the baby. But if you are concerned, you can stop breastfeeding for up to 24 hours after the test. During this time, you can give your baby breast milk that you stored before the test. Don't use the breast milk you pump in the 24 hours after the test. Throw it out. 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. 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. Current as of: July 26, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: July 26, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine
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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.