Spine MRI: How to Prepare and What to Expect

If you have pain, numbness or tingling in your back, limbs or neck, you might be referred for a spine MRI. This article will explore what a spine MRI shows, how it is performed, how to prepare for your MRI scan, and what the results might look like.

After a spine MRI, you’ll likely want to know your results as soon as possible. PocketHealth gives you rapid, secure access to your medical images and results, often as soon as they’re released by the radiologist.

 

 

What is a spine MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine is an imaging test that captures images of the internal structure and tissues of your spine using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. Sometimes used in conjunction with other imaging tests like PET or CT scans, MRIs are particularly useful when examining soft tissues like the spinal cord or discs.

Your spine consists of bony vertebrae and soft discs and is divided into separate sections.

• Cervical spine MRI: A cervical spine MRI examines the vertebrae and discs in the neck area.
• Thoracic spine MRI: A thoracic spine MRI provides spine images through upper back/chest area.
• Lumbar spine MRI: A lumbar spine MRI captures images of the lower back area.

 

What does a spine MRI show?

A spine MRI provides detailed images of the inner structures and workings of the different parts of your spine. Doctors use spine MRIs to diagnose, locate and monitor the treatment of several conditions, including:

• Blood supply: To ensure all parts of the spine are receiving adequate amounts of oxygenated blood.
• Compression: To assess any narrowing of the spinal column.
• Congenital conditions: To monitor the progression of congenital such as spina bifida, etc.
• Fractures: To locate impact or compression fractures in any spinal bones.
• Inflammation: To pinpoint any swelling and diagnose the reason, e.g. arthritis, infection, etc.
• Injuries: To assess any damage due to recent injury.
• Nerve damage: To locate and monitor nerve damage due to ongoing diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
• Spinal discs: To examine the health, size and position of spinal discs.
• Tumors: To locate and monitor the progression of tumors, benign or otherwise.

 

How is a spine MRI performed?

When you check into the clinic, you’ll be led to a room where you can remove your clothes and jewelry and change into a gown. If you request a fast-acting sedative, this is when you’ll receive it. If you are having a contrast MRI, it will be administered, generally by IV.

The MRI machine is a large cylindrical tube with an exam table that slides in and out. You must stay very still during your scan. The MRI technologist will position you on the table for optimal clarity and may use a device (called a coil) to keep you in place. Your exam table will slide into the circular opening. You’ll be given earphones to wear. The MRI scanner makes a lot of loud sounds as it works, banging and clanking as it scans, and the earphones should block out much of the noise.

You may be asked to hold your breath at points during the scan, or to shift position slightly. If your MRI involves contrast, you might feel warmth in the area being scanned. The MRI technologist will likely be in another room but will be able to hear and communicate with you through your headphones.

Your MRI scan can take anywhere from 30-120 minutes. If you had a sedative, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterwards.

 

How to prepare for your spine MRI appointment

If you’ve never had an MRI scan before, it might seem daunting. Knowing what to expect from the procedure can reduce any anxiety.

Tips before your scan

A spine MRI does not involve much preparation, but here are a few ideas to help you feel in control of the process.

• Carefully read your requisition: Your requisition should contain detailed information about what to do and expect from your scan. It might also ask you to follow special instructions about your diet or medications. If you’re unsure about any of those, ask your clinic for clarification.
• Let the clinic know if you are pregnant: If you are pregnant, the MRI technologist may have to adapt the procedure.
• Inform the clinic if you have a pacemaker or metal joints, etc.: The technicians can accommodate for pacemakers, artificial joints, and other internal metals, but you must tell them. You should also tell the clinic if you work closely with metals (if, for instance, you are a welder) or have tattoos.
• Tell them if you are claustrophobic: Although MRI scans are safe procedures, the MRI machine is a loud, enclosed space. Some patients prefer to receive a sedative to help them relax.
• Ask your doctor for pain management advice: You must remain very still during MRI imaging. If this might prove painful in your circumstances, your doctor can devise a pain-management plan.

Tips for the day of your scan

Following these steps the day of your appointment will ensure your MRI scan is as seamless as possible.

• Bring your requisition with you: Your requisition form contains important information for the imaging clinic. Make sure to have your health or insurance card with you.
• Wear comfortable clothing: You’ll change into a hospital gown, so wear clothing you can easily remove.
• Leave jewelry and metal objects at home. Metal interferes with MRI scans. Remove any jewelry and inform the technician of any metals you can’t remove.
• If you’re claustrophobic, ask for a relaxant: It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for a sedative if the confines of the MRI machine make you uncomfortable.

 

Getting your results

The staff at the imaging clinic is not legally allowed to share the results of your scan with you. Below we’ll discuss who produces your results and how long it takes to receive them, and how to understand your MRI report.

Who interprets my results?

The MRI technologist forwards your scan to radiologist for interpretation. The radiologist will send the images and a written report to your referring physician, who will share them with you.

When will I get my MRI results?

Your doctor will discuss your MRI results with you at a follow-up appointment. The whole process can take a week or more.

With PocketHealth, you can access your results more quickly, from any device. You can also use MyCare Navigator to highlight any recommendations and create a list of personalized questions to help you prepare for your follow-up appointment.

 

Understanding my results

You’ll get an official explanation of the findings in your MRI report from your doctor, but this section will explore what general scan findings look like.

With Report Reader, you can get simple, straightforward definitions of the complex medical terms in your report, so you’ll always be informed.

 

 

Spine MRI findings and terminology

MRI reports contain a lot of medical terms and abbreviations. While we have a page to help you understand MRI terminology, this section will look at some of the more spine-specific clinical findings.

Your results will be generally classified as ‘normal/unremarkable’ or ‘abnormal’. Normal/unremarkable means just that: everything presented as usual, and no problems were detected. Abnormal results might indicate:

• Arthritis: Swelling in the joints between vertebrae
• Cauda equina syndrome: Compressed spinal nerve roots cause by a herniated disc or other injury
• Degenerative damage: Evidence of damage caused by diseases such as multiple sclerosis, or age
• Inflammation: Areas of swollen tissue that impede blood flow or movement
• Orthopedic conditions: Such as compression fractures or osteoporosis
• Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal
• Tumors: Benign or malignant tumors that distort surrounding tissue

 

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the questions patients regularly ask about spine MRIs.

Can a brain and spine MRI be performed at the same time?

If required, brain and spine MRIs can usually be performed at the same appointment, though they will generally happen sequentially, rather than at the same time.

Is your head outside of the machine during a spine MRI?

Your head is usually inside the machine during a spinal MRI.

Are there any risks with an MRI?

MRIs are safe, non-invasive scans. Unlike X-rays, MRIs do not use radiation. If your MRI requires contrast, there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast material. However, if you have kidney issues or are pregnant, discuss the risks of a contrast MRI with your doctor.

Are spine MRIs accurate?

Spine MRIs are generally very accurate. MRIs are very effective at capturing images of soft tissue and distinguishing between areas of normal and abnormal soft tissue.

 

Take control of your health journey

PocketHealth provides you with fast, easy access to your MRI results so you can see, store and even share your images with specialists in diagnostic quality. Having all your medical imaging in one place gives you peace of mind, and the confidence to advocate for your spinal health.

Updated: May 12, 2025