A MRI of the whole spine includes the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine sections. The MRI plays an important role in evaluating the acutely injured spine, infection or inflammatory process, congenital abnormalities,...
The spinal cord serves as the central pillar of our body’s structural integrity, housing and protecting the delicate spinal cord. Whether you are a common man or athlete, having back pain is a common complaint. Spinal issues may occur due to accident, with age, herniated discs, tumours- and an MRI of the whole spine can significantly detect.
A healthy spine is an important component of healthy well being. It gives support to the body frame, allows you to bend, flex and move more freely.
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging which is a type of scan that is used to create the images of body organs, and other internal structures. Before delving into the details of Whole Spine MRI, let's understand some basic anatomy and function of MRI.
What is Spine?
The spine or backbone is a bony structure that supports your body.
It is a complex anatomic structure which is a linked column of bones running from head down to the lower back.
Each vertebrae is numbered and divided into 5 regions-
- 7 cervical vertebrae (cervical region)
- 12 thoracic vertebrae (Thoracic region)
- 5 lumbar vertebrae (Lumbar region)
- 5 Sacral vertebrae (Sacral region)
- 3-5 coccygeal vertebrae (Coccygeal region)
What is MRI of the Spine?
MRI is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a magnetic field and computer to produce detailed images of the organs and structure within the body.
MRI whole spine is a non-invasive, painless, highly accurate test for healthcare professionals to visualise the spine’s structure and evaluate the abnormalities.
What is the Use of MRI Whole Spine?
MRI may be used to examine the brain or spinal cord injuries, structural abnormality, conditions like:-
- Abscesses
- Joint inflammation
- Compression fracture
- Congenital abnormalities
- Venous malformation
- Irregularities in the position of vertebrae or in the curvature of the spine
- Haemorrhage or bleeding into the spinal cord or brain
- subdural hematoma
- Sclerosis
- Neuromuscular disease
- Aneurysms
- Degenerative disease like-Multiple sclerosis, hypoxia encephalopathy (a brain disorder brought on by oxygen deprivation), and encephalomyelitis (inflammation or infection of the brain and/or spinal cord)
- The degeneration or herniation of spinal cord discs
- Assist in the planning of spine procedures, such as spinal fusions or the decompression of pinched nerves
- Spinal stenosis
- Cysts
- Cancer or tumourhttps://www.ganeshdiagnostic.com/brain-tumor
Why Do Doctors Request an MRI of the Whole Spine?
To get a better picture of your health, a doctor will usually evaluate the medical history and symptoms to assess the root cause of back pain.
Symptoms related to spine problem are:-
- Back pain with fever
- Neck pain
- Lower back injury
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Weakening, numbness or tingling sensation in your legs
- Stiffness in the lack that restricts the movement
- Detect and differentiate tumours or abnormal growths
- Assess the postoperative complications
- Detects the vascular injuries or dissections involving the blood vessels.
What to Expect Before Getting an MRI of the Whole Spine?
A spine MRI requires a little preparation. Before the schedule MRI you can eat, drink and take usual medications before you scan,
As an MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field to create the images, you need to remove all metal objects such as hair pins, jewellery, eye glasses and clothes with metallic objects.
Inform your healthcare provider if you have any of the following ➖
- Metal implantes devices ( pumps, clips, staples, stents, pacemaker, defibrillator)
- Metallic dental prosthesis or dental implants
- Embedded metal (Metal foreign bodies like bullets)
Who Can Not Have Spine MRI?
- Any electrical or magnetic or mechanically device (implant) for ex:- Cardiac pacemaker, insulin pump biostimulator, neurotran stimulator, cochlear implant, and hearing aids)
- Pregnancy
- Ferromagnetic surgical clips or staples
- Metallic foreign body
- Metal shrapnel or bullet
What Are the Advantages of MRI Whole Spine?
Comprehensive Evaluation
MRI captures the detailed images of the entire spine in a single scan that provides holistic assessment of spinal health.
High Resolution and Contrast
Advanced MRI technology delivers exceptional image quality which enhances image quality and visualisation of the anatomical structures and pathological abnormalities.
Non Invasive and Safe
MRI is a safe diagnostic procedure because it does not involve ionising radiation that makes it safe and comfortable for patients of all ages.
3-D Imaging
MRI whole spine scans offer multiple planer imaging capabilities, allowing clinicians to view the spine from different angles and planes for detailed analysis.
Conclusion
Modern, non-invasive technology called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) makes it possible to see your body's organs, tissues, and skeletal system in great detail. By utilising radio waves and magnetic fields, it produces incredibly detailed three-dimensional images with different viewing angles for accurate diagnosis. This sophisticated imaging method is very helpful in correctly diagnosing a wide range of medical issues.
Book Your Whole Body MRI Near You
At Ganesh Diagnostic centre, we recognize the pivotal role of MRI whole spine imaging to facilitate the accurate diagnosis. The state of your spine is crucial to your general health. As you walk, bend, and lift, your spinal column—which extends from your neck to your tailbone—supports flexibility and mobility. An MRI of the spine can assist in identifying anomalies such as tumours, illness, disc herniation, muscle strains, and other soft tissue abnormalities.
A spine MRI is typically ordered for patients who have persistent issues such as disc degeneration, sciatica, or lower back discomfort. However, you don't have to wait to obtain a spine MRI if you have low back discomfort, numbness, trouble moving, or if you've been hurt. Problems can be identified early on, when symptoms are less severe and easier to cure.
If you want to get an MRI to screen for potential cancers and other diseases you can get in just one simple click or you can call us today.
You can also talk to our experts if you have any doubt, Free consultation with doctor.
Why Should You Choose Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre to Screen for Chronic Illnesses and Diseases?
For many years, Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre has been renowned for offering its patients exceptional service and attention. Countless happy patients throughout the years!
Since 2001, it has been a recognized and well-established diagnostic centre.
Their NABH and NABL Accreditations attest to their expertise.
The greatest level of patient care and service is attested to the NABH accreditation. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
The test report is also accessible digitally.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one
FAQ
Can nerve damage be seen on a spinal MRI?
Indeed, an MRI scan is generally quite sensitive to soft tissue features such as bones and nerves. An MRI scan will undoubtedly reveal any abnormalities on the spinal cord and other veins around the spine.
How Much Time Does a Full Spine MRI Take?
It will take roughly ten to thirty minutes to finish the spine MRI.
What to Do If the Results of Your Spine MRI Don't Explain Your Symptoms?
If the results of your spine MRI do not explain your problems, try not to get frustrated and concentrate on looking into other possibilities. The first thing you should do is get in touch with the medical professional who ordered the spine MRI. Ask questions, talk about why the MRI results did not yield a definitive answer, and go over your symptoms again. In addition to performing a physical examination and reexamining your medical history, your doctor might have a look at other possible explanations for your symptoms.
What happens if you move during an MRI?
During the scan, you must remain perfectly still; otherwise, the images may appear grainy. You might need to be sedated if you are having trouble staying still, if you have claustrophobia, or if you have chronic discomfort.
Are Spinal Cord Injuries Permanent?
Spinal cord injuries that are not fully healed cannot be repaired. The patient may recover significantly, but they will have to deal with some degree of mobility disability and sensory loss. On the other hand, partial spinal cord injuries are repairable with the right medical attention and rest.
