MRI of the neck (MR Cervical Columna)

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MRI of Neck (MR Cervical Column)

MRI of the neck is also called MRI of the cervical spine. MRI examination of the neck is used in trauma, disc disorders (prolapse), stenosis (narrow root canals) and CSM (cervical myelopathy) and such. This type of examination is the best for visualizing soft tissue and intervertebral discs - as both bones and muscles are shown in a very detailed way.

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MRI stands for magnetic resonance, as it is magnetic fields and radio waves that are used in this examination to provide images of bone structures and soft tissue. Unlike X-rays and CT, MRI does not use harmful radiation.

VIDEO: MRI Neck

Video of different conditions that can be found by MRI examination of the neck - in the different levels:

MR Cervical Columna: Large disc bulge / suspected prolapse in C6 / 7

MR description:

«Height-reduced disc C6 / 7 focal disc bulge to the right which results in slightly narrow conditions in neurophoramines and potential nerve root affection. Minimal disc bends also from C3 up to and including 6, but no affection of nerve roots. Plenty of space in the spinal canal. No myelopathy. " We note that this is a disc disorder affecting the right C6 / 7 nerve root - that is, it is the C7 nerve root they suspect is affected, but without major prolapse findings.

Examples of MRI descriptions (sent, anonymised - thanks for contributions to those who submit to us)

The descriptions are divided according to what the result / conclusion showed.

Degenerative changes without prolapse or spinal canal stenosis

MR cervical columna: Wear changes and somewhat tight conditions at level C3 / C4 (third and fourth neck swirl)
Without iv. contrast. No previous study for comparison.
There are incipient degenerative changes in the cervical columna. Unrated cervical lordosis. Well-preserved vortex heights. No compression fractures, destruction, skeletal damage, slip or anomalies. Normal signals from the bone marrow. Initial arthrotic changes at the facet joints. Nothing to note about the craniocervical transition. All cervical discs have incipient degenerative signal. Scant disc bending at levels C4 / C5 and C5 / C6, but no prolapse changes. No evidence of central spinal canal stenosis. There is slight degree of foraminal stenosis in level C3 / C4 on the left side. Unobtrusive signals from the medulla.
R: Initial degenerative changes. Disc prolapse or root effect is not detected. Confer text.

Degenerative changes with left-sided prolapse C5-C6, right-sided prolapse C6-C7 and spinal canal stenosis C5-C6

MR cervical columna:
Without iv. contrast. MR cervicalcolumna from July 7, 2016 for comparison.
There are incipient degenerative changes in the cervical columna. Unrated cervical lordosis. Well-preserved vortex heights. No compression fractures, destruction, skeletal damage, slip or anomalies. Normal signals from the bone marrow. Degenerative cover plate changes in the form of incipient osteochondrosis at levels C5-C7 are noted. Initial arthrotic changes at the facet joints. Nothing to note about the craniocervical transition. All cervical discs have degenerative signal. Slight disk height reduction at levels C5 / C6 and C6 / C7. A paramedian / left-styled focal C5 / C6 disc prolapse is seen as far as the medulla and gives a central spinal canal stenosis (AP diameter measures 8 mm in medial sagittal line). It is a broad-based right foraminal C6 / C7 disc prolapse and with potential mechanical infection of the right C7 nerve root. Unobtrusive signals from the medulla.
R: Initial degenerative changes. Central spinal canal stenosis at level C5 / C6. Paramedian / left styled C5 / C6 disc prolapse as far as medulla, without root affection. Right aligned foraminal C6 / C7 disc prolapse and with potential mechanical infection of right C7 nerve root. Confer text.

Right-sided prolapse in C6 with root affection against C7 root

MR cervical columna:
Examined with coronal T1, sagittal T1, T2 and stir from skull base to TH3 / TH4 as well as axial T2 through 3rd through. 7. cervical disc space.
Flattened cervical lordosis. Normal signal from the bone marrow. Normal swirls. No skeletal damage, slip, anomalies. Fragile dehydration of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th cervical disc and 4th cervical disc are minimally bulging.
Mild dehydration of the 5th cervical disc, which is slightly elevated and slightly curved and with central annulus operation without root contact.
Degenerative signal in 6th cervical disc that is slightly elevated and with little right prolapse which can affect right C7 root.
Minimal bending of the 7th cervical disc which is otherwise unnoticed.
Manufactured thoracic discs are normal.
Good space conditions in the root canals and in the spinal canal. Normal signal from the medulla.

R: Easy degenerative change. Right-sided prolapse in 6th disc that may affect right C7 root, cf. text.

- Also read: - Prolapse in the neck?

- Also read: - Good stretching exercises against stiffness in the chest and between the shoulder blades