Palas Athéna

MRI Spine (Cervical/Lumbar)

Type

MRI Scan

Duration

45 min

Results

48 hours

MRI scan of cervical or lumbar spine section.

A spine MRI provides detailed images of the vertebrae, spinal cord, intervertebral discs, and surrounding soft tissues without using radiation. The spine is divided into three regions — cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) — and your MRI may focus on one or more of these areas depending on your symptoms and clinical needs. The scan uses multiple imaging sequences to visualize disc hydration, nerve root compression, spinal canal dimensions, and ligament integrity. MRI is considered the gold standard for evaluating spinal soft tissues because it can distinguish between disc material, fluid, bone marrow, and neural tissue with exceptional clarity. A typical spine MRI for one region takes 30–45 minutes.

Key Details

Scan Duration
30–45 minutes per region
Radiation
None (MRI uses magnetic fields)
Contrast
Usually without; contrast if post-surgical
Imaging Type
MRI imaging
Common Use
Back pain evaluation, disc assessment

Who Is This For?

People experiencing persistent back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. Anyone with a history of disc herniation or spinal surgery who needs follow-up imaging. Active individuals and athletes wanting to assess spinal health after years of high-impact activity. Those seeking a baseline evaluation of spinal health as part of a comprehensive longevity assessment.

What's Included

Vertebral body and alignment assessment
Intervertebral disc evaluation
Spinal cord and nerve root imaging
Spinal canal measurement
Surrounding soft tissue visualization
Radiologist interpretation and report

Preparation Required

Remove all metal objects including jewelry, watches, belts, and hair clips before the scan. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal fasteners — you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. Inform the facility in advance if you have any implants, pacemakers, aneurysm clips, or metal fragments in your body. Arrive 15–20 minutes early to complete a safety screening questionnaire. If contrast dye is required, you may be asked to fast for 4 hours beforehand. Inform your technologist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney concerns.

Scan Details

Body Area
Spine (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar)
Scan Type
Multi-sequence MRI of vertebrae, discs, spinal cord, and nerve roots
Price
Kč 2,500
Category
Diagnostic
Sample Type
MRI imaging
Duration
45 min
Results
48 hours

Palas Athéna

Private orthopedic surgery clinic with on-site MRI imaging for self-pay patients.

Frequently Asked Questions