Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Spine, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of the Spine, Spinal MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

How It Feels

You won't have pain from the magnetic field or radio waves used for the MRI test. The table you lie on may feel hard, and the room may be cool. You may be tired or sore from lying in one position for a long time.

If contrast material is used, you may feel some coolness and flushing as it is injected into your IV.

In rare cases, you may feel:

  • A tingling feeling in the mouth if you have metal dental fillings.
  • Warmth in the area being examined. This is normal. Tell the technologist if you have nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, pain, burning, or breathing problems.

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Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELSLast Updated: August 17, 2007
Medical Review: Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
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 Why It Is Done
 How To Prepare
 How It Is Done
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 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
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