Cervical (Neck) MRI
At Accu-Med Diagnostic Centers, we provide fast, accurate, and high-quality cervical spine MRI scans to help diagnose the cause of neck pain, nerve issues, or spinal problems. Using advanced MRI technology, we capture detailed images of the cervical spine—including vertebrae, spinal discs, spinal cord, and surrounding nerves. This non-invasive imaging test is essential for identifying conditions such as herniated discs, cervical spinal stenosis, nerve compression, and degenerative disc disease. Whether you’re experiencing neck stiffness, radiating arm pain, or recovering from an injury, our expert radiology team ensures a comfortable experience with quick scheduling, minimal wait times, and rapid report delivery. Trust Accu-Med for your neck MRI needs—serving patients with care, precision, and excellence.
A doctor may order a neck MRI (cervical spine MRI) to get a detailed look at the structures in your neck. Some of the common reasons a Doctor might need see under the hood are:
Numbness or tingling in arms or hands
Weakness in arms or legs
Loss of coordination or balance
Electric shock sensation down spine with movement (Lhermitte’s sign)
Chronic neck pain not improving with treatment
Radiating pain into the shoulder, arm, or hand
Headaches that might originate from the neck (cervicogenic)
Whiplash or neck injury from a car accident
Fall or sports injury involving the head or neck
Suspected fractures or ligament damage
Herniated disc
Degenerative disc disease or arthritis
Cervical spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal)
Spondylosis (age-related wear and tear)
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
To detect spinal cord lesions.Tumors or cancer
To detect masses, metastasis, or spinal cord compression.Infection (e.g., abscess, discitis, osteomyelitis)
Congenital spine conditions
For evaluation of birth-related abnormalities.Pre- or post-surgical assessment
A neck MRI provides detailed images of the cervical spine, helping doctors identify a wide range of injuries and medical conditions that may be causing pain, stiffness, or neurological symptoms. This non-invasive scan can detect both soft tissue and spinal abnormalities, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing structural damage, inflammation, or nerve-related issues. Below is a list of some of the most common findings seen during a neck MRI:
Spinal cord compression
Due to disc herniation, spondylosis, or tumors.Myelopathy
Signal changes in the spinal cord indicating damage or inflammation.Nerve root impingement (Radiculopathy)
Often from disc bulge or foraminal narrowing.Syringomyelia
A fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) within the spinal cord.Degenerative disc disease
Discs lose height and hydration with age.Spondylosis (arthritis)
Bone spurs, disc space narrowing, facet joint degeneration.Facet joint arthropathy
Arthritis of the small joints in the spine.Osteophytes
Bony outgrowths or bone spurs.Disc bulge
Generalized extension of the disc beyond its normal boundaries.Disc herniation/protrusion/extrusion
Focal displacement of disc material, sometimes pressing on nerves.Annular tear
Tear in the outer layer of the disc (annulus fibrosus).Ligament hypertrophy
Thickening of spinal ligaments (e.g., ligamentum flavum).Epidural mass or abscess
Can compress spinal cord or nerves.Tumors or metastases
Spinal cord, bone, or soft tissue tumors.