The neck is the most mobile part of the body, which includes a number of vital organs: the trachea, larynx, spine, throat, blood vessels, parathyroid and thyroid glands. Therefore, it is very important to carry out diagnostic studies for the treatment of possible diseases. Modern medicine recognizes magnetic resonance imaging as the most effective diagnostic method in this case.
MRI of the cervical spine: what is it?
A doctor using magnetic resonance imaging can detect not only bone diseases, spinal disorders or spinal cord pathologies. This technique also provides access to information about the soft tissues near the spine and their condition.
What will an MRI of the cervical spine show? Research makes it possible to discover:
- Injuries of the vertebrae - cracks, fractures, dislocations.
- Anatomical defects, both acquired and congenital.
- Protrusion of the intervertebral discs.
- Growings.
- Herniated and cystic discs.
- Degenerative processes in cartilage tissue.
- Neurovascular pathologies.
- Three-plane deformity of the spine.
- Progress in the treatment of cervical lordosis.
- Kyphosis of the thoracic spine.
- Multiple sclerosis
- Dysfunction of the cardiovascular system.
- Vertebral deformities caused by infectious diseases.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Osteochondrosis.
- Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
- Osteomyelitis
- Thrombi.
- Abscesses and purulent formations.
- Polio.
- Tick-borne viral encephalitis.
This diagnostic method is currently recognized as the most accurate and informative. Considering what shows MRI of the cervical spine, the doctor can assess the size and configuration of the nerve endings, blood vessels, ligaments and muscles of the spinal column. In most cases, tomography is the only way to determine the type and location of the disease, assess the condition of the spinal tissues and make an accurate diagnosis.
Indications for MRI of the cervical spine
An orthopedist, traumatologist or surgeon can refer a person for diagnosis for the following diseases and symptoms:
- Dizziness.
- Intervertebral hernias.
- Sciatica.
- Suspicion of spinal stenosis.
- Pain in the head, neck and/or upper limbs.
- When there is a feeling of stiffness in the neck-collar area.
- Suspicion of neoplasms in case of metastases in the vertebrae and spinal cord in the cervical region.
- To confirm the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or control therapy.
- As part of postoperative monitoring of the state of the cervical spine.
- To diagnose abnormal developments of the spine.
- In inflammatory processes in the spinal cord.
Doctors recommend MRI diagnostics every year to prevent possible problems and pathologies of the spine.