What is the spine MRI ?

• Magnetic resonance imaging is anon invasive diagnostic examthat produce detailed images of your body.
• An MRI machine doesn’t use an x-ray but use a powerful magnetic field,radio wave and computer to create images.
• MRI doesn’t use radiation and can be done without contrast or with contrast when needed (gadolinium contrast material whichis safe and less likely to cause allergic reaction).
• An MRI of the spine shows the bones, disks, spinal cord, and the spaces between the vertebral bones where nerves pass through.
• MRI of the spine allows physicians to examine the spine anatomy to rule out any structural abnormalities.

Why do I need spine MRI?

MR imaging of spine is used to assess or detect:
• Spine anatomy and alignment.
• Birth defects in the vertebrae or spinal cord.
• Trauma injury to the bone, disc, ligament or spinal cord.
• Disc and joint disease. Both are frequent causes of severe lower back pain and sciatica (back pain radiating into lower leg).
• Compression or inflammation of spinal cord and nerves.
• Infection of the vertebrae, discs, spinal cord or its coverings (meninges).
• Tumors in the vertebrae, spinal cord, nerves or surrounding soft tissues.
• Spine MRI is also used to help plan procedures such as decompression of a pinched nerve, spinal fusion, or steroid injections.
• Spine MRI detects other possible causes of back pain such as compression fracture, and bone swelling.
• It is also used to monitor changes in the spine after an operation, such as scarring or infection.

How to Prepare for the spine MRI?

You should not have to do too much to prepare for spine MRI. You may be able to eat, drink and take your medications as usual. However, if your doctor ordered a scan for other parts of your body, such as your abdominal region, they may instruct you not to drink or eat four to six hours before the test.
MRI machine is essentially a magnet; it can interact with metals, thus creating a blurry image. That’s why it helps to leave metal items at home before your appointment, or remove them before you enter the scanning room. You can prepare for spine MRI of time by removing the following items from your body and pockets:
• Body piercings
• Pens
• Jewelry
• Hearing aids
• Pins
• Hairpins
• Zippers or any metal clothing fasteners.
• Removable dental work.

Before you schedule your appointment for spine MRI, make sure to inform the medical staff if you have any of the following conditions:
• Brain aneurysm clips, metal plates or any metal implants.
• Artificial heart valve.
• Pacemaker.
• Inner ear implants.
• Artificial joints.
• Women should always inform their physician and the MRI technologist if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant.
• You should inform your doctor of all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies.
• Inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions and whether you have a history of heart disease, asthma, and diabetes or kidney disease.

In case of contrast Examinations:
• You should not to eat or drink anything (fasting) for a few hours (4 to 6 h) before the exam.
• You should do renal functions test.