{"id":2734,"date":"2026-02-16T16:04:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T16:04:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/?post_type=exames&#038;p=2734"},"modified":"2026-03-10T11:35:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T11:35:36","slug":"dorsal-spine-mri","status":"publish","type":"exames","link":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/exams\/magnetic-resonance-imaging\/mri-spine\/dorsal-spine-mri","title":{"rendered":"Dorsal Spine MRI"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mid-back pain can have several causes and often improves with simple measures. However, if the pain is persistent, has no clear cause, occurs after trauma, or is associated with neurological symptoms (such as tingling, numbness or weakness), it may be important to investigate further.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>Dorsal Spine MRI<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging exam that allows a highly accurate assessment of the thoracic spine structures, including intervertebral discs, the spinal cord, nerve roots, joints and soft tissues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a Dorsal Spine MRI?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>dorsal (thoracic) spine MRI<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> examines the <\/span><b>thoracic region<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which corresponds to the <\/span><b>twelve mid segments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the spine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is particularly useful to investigate mid-back pain of unclear origin, tumours, infections, osteoporotic fractures and inflammatory diseases. It may also be indicated when the goal is to assess the spinal cord or in patients with systemic diseases that affect the spine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This exam allows clear visualisation of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Vertebrae and intervertebral discs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g. wear\/degeneration, protrusions, herniations);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Spinal canal and neural structures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the thoracic region;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Spinal cord<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and clinically relevant involvement;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Joints, ligaments and adjacent soft tissues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the price of a Dorsal Spine MRI?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The price of a <\/span><b>dorsal spine MRI<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, when performed on a <\/span><b>private basis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is <\/span><b>275\u20ac<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, it can also be performed through several agreements, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ADSE:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the patient pays a fee of <\/span><b>30\u20ac<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insurance companies:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> M\u00e9dis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vit\u00f3ria, Una Seguros, other insurers;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Health plans:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Medicare, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, other health plans;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Protocols:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> NRD has protocols with several clinics and institutions that allow you to have the exam at very competitive prices. For a dorsal spine MRI, the protocol price is <\/span><b>220\u20ac<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The price varies depending on the healthcare system or insurance you wish to use.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find out more about the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/exams\/magnetic-resonance-imaging\/price-of-magnetic-resonance-imaging\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">price of MRI exams<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is it performed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the day of the exam, the patient is positioned lying on a table, with the spine supported on a <\/span><b>coil<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (an accessory that helps capture the signal with better quality). Images are acquired in several planes, with thin, high-resolution slices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the MRI:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The scanner is <\/span><b>open at both ends<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is essential to <\/span><b>remain still<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, to ensure good-quality images;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ear protection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is provided due to the noise generated by the scanner;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exam usually takes <\/span><b>30 to 50 minutes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, depending on the area(s) being assessed and whether contrast is required.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, it may be necessary to administer <\/span><b>intravenous contrast<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially to assess <\/span><b>infections<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>tumours<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>inflammatory lesions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1661 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica.jpg\" alt=\"Dorsal Spine MRI\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it detect?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dorsal spine MRI can help identify, among others:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Disc herniations and protrusions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the thoracic region (when clinically relevant);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Spinal canal stenosis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and changes that may cause compression;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Spinal cord<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>nerve root<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> abnormalities;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fractures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (including osteoporotic fractures) and post-traumatic changes;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tumour lesions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (bone, spinal cord or meningeal, depending on the context);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inflammation and spinal infections<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (when clinically suspected);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Degenerative changes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g. disc disease, osteoarthritis of posterior joints).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In which cases is it indicated?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor may request a <\/span><b>dorsal \/ thoracic spine MRI<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in situations such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Persistent mid-back pain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with no clear cause;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suspected <\/span><b>fracture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially in the context of osteoporosis or trauma;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suspected <\/span><b>spinal infection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>vertebral tumour<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessment of <\/span><b>inflammatory diseases<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that may affect the spine;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Neurological symptoms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g. tingling, numbness, weakness) when assessing the spinal cord \/ nerve roots is required;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Post-trauma<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>post-surgical<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> assessment (when applicable).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation and guidelines for a Dorsal Spine MRI<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before undergoing an MRI at NRD, please consider the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Topic<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Guidance<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exam prescription (paper copy)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must bring the exam prescription in paper form.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most MRI exams do not require fasting. In cases with contrast, fasting for <\/span><b>3 hours<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is usually necessary (confirmed when booking).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early arrival<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrive <\/span><b>15 minutes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before the scheduled time.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may take essential and unavoidable medication with a minimum amount of water.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metal objects<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove all metal objects (e.g. earrings, bracelets, necklaces, piercings, hairpins, removable prostheses, etc.).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform the NRD healthcare professional if you are pregnant.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exams \/ Tests \/ Info<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring previous imaging exams, relevant clinical information and recent laboratory tests.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glucose monitoring implant<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not place the implant, as it will have to be removed before the exam.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make-up<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not wear make-up, as some products may affect the exam.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valve and\/or orthopaedic prostheses<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have valve and\/or orthopaedic prostheses, bring proof describing and specifying the material composition.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hearing aids<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform us if you use a hearing aid, as it must be removed before the exam.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dental prostheses<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform us if you use a dental prosthesis, as it must be removed before the exam. Also inform us if you have dental implants.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthodontic appliances<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform us if you wear orthodontic appliances. A test may be necessary to assess compatibility with MRI.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pacemakers and implantable devices<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Throughout the MRI exam, you will be continuously monitored by the NRD imaging technologist responsible for your exam. An <\/span><b>alert system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will also be at your disposal, which you can activate if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The entire NRD team will be at your disposal to answer any questions that may arise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the exam, you can return to your usual daily activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When and how do you receive the results?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will receive the MRI results within <\/span><b>7 days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where can you have it done?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The MRI can be performed at NRD, at the following address:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, n\u00ba 11-B, r\/c, 1070 \u2013 060 Lisbon (near Pra\u00e7a de Espanha)<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":1802,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-2734","exames","type-exames","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames\/2734","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/exames"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames\/1802"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2734"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}