If neck pain does not improve, or if you develop pain radiating into the arm, tingling, numbness or weakness, your doctor may request an MRI to clarify the cause.
A Cervical Spine MRI is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging exam that provides a detailed assessment of the cervical spine and structures such as the intervertebral discs, spinal canal and nerves.
What is a Cervical Spine MRI?
A cervical spine MRI evaluates the first seven segments of the spine, which support the neck and protect the cervical spinal cord.
It is indicated in cases of persistent neck pain, radiculopathy (pain radiating to the arms), neurological changes, suspected cervical disc herniation, trauma, assessment of spinal cord compression, among others.
This exam allows clear visualisation of:
- Intervertebral discs (wear / degeneration, protrusions, herniations);
- Cervical canal and neural foramina (where the nerves pass);
- Spinal cord and nerve roots;
- Vertebrae, joints and ligaments;
- Adjacent soft tissues.
What is the price of a Cervical Spine MRI?
The price of a cervical spine MRI, when performed on a private basis, is 275€. However, it can also be performed through several agreements, including:
- ADSE: the patient pays a fee of 30€;
- IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP;
- Insurance companies: Médis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vitória, Una Seguros, other insurers;
- Health plans: Medicare, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, other health plans;
- Protocols: NRD has protocols with several clinics and institutions that allow you to have the exam at very competitive prices. For a cervical spine MRI, the protocol price is 220€.
The price varies depending on the healthcare system or insurance you wish to use.
Find out more about the price of MRI exams.
How is it performed?
On the day of the exam, the patient is positioned lying on a table, with the spine supported on a coil (an accessory that helps capture the signal with better quality).
For a cervical spine MRI, the head may be positioned in a specific head / neck coil. Images are acquired in several planes, with thin, high-resolution slices.
During the MRI:
- The scanner is open at both ends;
- It is essential to remain still, to ensure good-quality images;
- Ear protection is provided due to the noise generated by the scanner;
- The exam usually takes 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the area(s) being assessed and whether contrast is required.
In some cases, it may be necessary to administer intravenous contrast, especially to assess infections, tumours or inflammatory lesions.
What does it detect?
A cervical spine MRI can assess changes such as:
- Cervical disc herniations and protrusions;
- Stenosis of the cervical canal and/or neural foramina;
- Changes that may cause nerve root compression (often associated with arm pain, tingling, numbness or loss of strength);
- Degenerative changes (e.g. disc disease, cervical spondylosis, osteoarthritis of posterior joints);
- Spinal cord abnormalities (when clinically relevant), including findings compatible with myelopathy;
- Inflammatory and infectious changes (when clinically suspected);
- Post-traumatic soft tissue changes (e.g. ligaments) and, when applicable, fractures;
- Tumour lesions (when clinically appropriate).
In which cases is it indicated?
This exam is often requested when there is:
- Persistent neck pain, with or without radiating pain;
- Suspected cervical disc herniation with nerve compression;
- Pain radiating into the arm, tingling, numbness or weakness;
- Suspected cervical stenosis;
- Suspected spinal cord compression (myelopathy), when applicable;
- Post-trauma or post-surgical assessment (when applicable);
- Suspected/monitoring of inflammatory disease or infection (when applicable).
Preparation and guidelines for a Cervical Spine MRI
Before undergoing an MRI at NRD, please consider the following:
| Topic | Guidance |
| Exam prescription (paper copy) | You must bring the exam prescription in paper form. |
| Fasting | Most MRI exams do not require fasting. In cases with contrast, fasting for 3 hours is usually necessary (confirmed when booking). |
| Early arrival | Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time. |
| Medication | You may take essential and unavoidable medication with a minimum amount of water. |
| Metal objects | Remove all metal objects (e.g. earrings, bracelets, necklaces, piercings, hairpins, removable prostheses, etc.). |
| Pregnancy | Inform the NRD healthcare professional if you are pregnant. |
| Exams / Tests / Info | Bring previous imaging exams, relevant clinical information and recent laboratory tests. |
| Glucose monitoring implant | Do not place the implant, as it will have to be removed before the exam. |
| Make-up | Do not wear make-up, as some products may affect the exam. |
| Valve and/or orthopaedic prostheses | If you have valve and/or orthopaedic prostheses, bring proof describing and specifying the material composition. |
| Hearing aids | Inform us if you use a hearing aid, as it must be removed before the exam. |
| Dental prostheses | Inform us if you use a dental prosthesis, as it must be removed before the exam. Also inform us if you have dental implants. |
| Orthodontic appliances | Inform us if you wear orthodontic appliances. A test may be necessary to assess compatibility with MRI. |
| Pacemakers and implantable devices | NRD does not perform MRI exams on people with pacemakers or implantable devices (e.g. cochlear implant), and it is recommended that the exam be carried out in a hospital setting. |
Throughout the MRI exam, you will be continuously monitored by the NRD imaging technologist responsible for your exam. An alert system will also be at your disposal, which you can activate if needed.
The entire NRD team will be at your disposal to answer any questions that may arise.
After the exam, you can return to your usual daily activities.
When and how do you receive the results?
You will receive the MRI results within 7 days after the exam, by email or in paper form at the clinic. On the day of the exam, you will take a CD with the images with you.
Where can you have it done?
The MRI can be performed at NRD, at the following address:
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 11-B, r/c, 1070 – 060 Lisbon (near Praça de Espanha)