Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine

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

Why It Is Done

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine is done to:

• Find problems of the spinal discs, such as a ruptured disc. The test may also show if a disc is pressing on a nerve, causing symptoms such as sciatica.
• Find areas of the spine where the canal is abnormally narrowed (spinal stenosis) and may need surgery.
• Find tumours affecting the bones or nerves of the spine. The tumours that most commonly spread to the spine include those from prostate, breast, or lung cancer.
• Check areas of joint inflammation (arthritis) or bone loss found during an X-ray test or a bone scan.
• Find areas of the spine that do not have good blood supply.
• Find an infection.
• Find nerve damage caused by injury or disease, such as multiple sclerosis.
• Check problems of the spine that have been present since birth (congenital).

An MRI may be done using contrast material to see abnormal tissue more clearly. The contrast material also may help distinguish between old surgical scars and a new disease or injury.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last 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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