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.
A Dorsal Spine MRI 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.
What is a Dorsal Spine MRI?
A dorsal (thoracic) spine MRI examines the thoracic region, which corresponds to the twelve mid segments of the spine.
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.
This exam allows clear visualisation of:
- Vertebrae and intervertebral discs (e.g. wear/degeneration, protrusions, herniations);
- Spinal canal and neural structures in the thoracic region;
- Spinal cord and clinically relevant involvement;
- Joints, ligaments and adjacent soft tissues.
What is the price of a Dorsal Spine MRI?
The price of a dorsal 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 dorsal 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). 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 dorsal spine MRI can help identify, among others:
- Disc herniations and protrusions in the thoracic region (when clinically relevant);
- Spinal canal stenosis and changes that may cause compression;
- Spinal cord and nerve root abnormalities;
- Fractures (including osteoporotic fractures) and post-traumatic changes;
- Tumour lesions (bone, spinal cord or meningeal, depending on the context);
- Inflammation and spinal infections (when clinically suspected);
- Degenerative changes (e.g. disc disease, osteoarthritis of posterior joints).
In which cases is it indicated?
Your doctor may request a dorsal / thoracic spine MRI in situations such as:
- Persistent mid-back pain with no clear cause;
- Suspected fracture, especially in the context of osteoporosis or trauma;
- Suspected spinal infection or vertebral tumour;
- Assessment of inflammatory diseases that may affect the spine;
- Neurological symptoms (e.g. tingling, numbness, weakness) when assessing the spinal cord / nerve roots is required;
- Post-trauma or post-surgical assessment (when applicable).
Preparation and guidelines for a Dorsal 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)