Neck (Cervical Spine) MRI: What It Shows and When You Need One
A cervical MRI makes detailed pictures of your neck, the part of the spine made up of seven small bones called cervical vertebrae. It shows the discs, spinal cord, nerves and soft tissues, so it can help your doctor look for causes of neck pain, arm pain, numbness or weakness.
This guide explains what a cervical MRI can show, when doctors usually order one, how to prepare, and what your results mean.
Key takeaways
A cervical MRI shows the neck's bones, discs, spinal canal, spinal cord, nerves and nearby soft tissue.
It uses a strong magnet and radio waves, not X-rays or other ionizing radiation.
Doctors often order it for neck pain that does not improve, or pain with arm numbness, tingling or weakness.
Findings must be matched with your symptoms and exam. Some disc changes are common and cause no symptoms.
Tell the team about any implants or metal in your body before the scan.
At Millenium MRI, self-pay is $300 per scan in Florida and $500 per scan in Arkansas, with no referral needed.
What can a cervical MRI show?
MRI shows soft tissue much better than X-rays. That makes it useful for looking at the parts of the neck that X-rays cannot see well. A cervical MRI can show:
Discs: bulging or herniated discs that may press on nerves
The spinal canal: narrowing, also called spinal stenosis
Nerve roots: pinched nerves where they leave the spine
The spinal cord: signs of pressure, injury, inflammation or other changes
Joints and bones: arthritis, bone spurs, swelling in the bone and some fractures
Ligaments and soft tissue: injury, infection or masses
Disc problems and pinched nerves
The discs between your neck bones act as cushions. With age or injury, a disc can bulge or herniate. If disc material or a bone spur presses on a nerve root, it can cause pain, numbness or tingling that travels into the shoulder, arm or hand. Doctors call this cervical radiculopathy.
Spinal cord compression
When the spinal canal narrows enough to press on the spinal cord, it is called cervical myelopathy. It can cause clumsy hands, trouble with balance or walking, or weakness. MRI is one of the main tests doctors use to check for cord compression.
What a cervical MRI does not show
A neck MRI focuses on the neck. It is not a brain MRI and not a shoulder MRI, even if the edges of those areas show up on some images. Sometimes the scan picks up something outside the spine, such as a thyroid nodule. Your doctor will decide whether that needs follow-up.
For help with words you may see on your report, read our guide to understanding spine MRI terms.
When do you need a cervical MRI?
Many people with neck pain get better with time and conservative care, and do not need imaging. A doctor may consider a cervical MRI when:
Neck, shoulder or arm pain does not improve with treatment
Pain comes with numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or hand
There are signs of spinal cord pressure, such as hand clumsiness or balance problems
You had a neck injury, such as from a car accident or fall, and symptoms continue
Your doctor is concerned about infection, inflammation, multiple sclerosis or a tumor
A surgeon needs detailed images before planning treatment
Neck symptoms that need emergency care
Call 911 or go to the ER right away if you have:
Sudden weakness, numbness or loss of coordination in your arms or legs
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe neck pain after a fall, crash or other injury
Neck pain with high fever, a stiff neck and severe headache
Trouble walking or keeping your balance that comes on quickly
These can be signs of a serious problem that needs urgent care. Outpatient imaging centers do not provide emergency care.
Cervical MRI vs X-ray and CT
Test | Best at showing | Common use |
X-ray | Bone alignment and arthritis | Quick first look at the neck bones |
CT | Bone detail and fractures | Emergency checks after injury |
MRI | Discs, nerves, spinal cord and soft tissue | Nerve symptoms, lasting pain, cord concerns |
Your doctor chooses the test based on your symptoms and exam. For more on how MRI fits with back and neck pain, read do you need an MRI for back pain?
What happens before, during and after the scan
Before the scan
You will fill out a safety form. Tell the team about any pacemaker, implant, clips, shrapnel or metal fragments, and bring any implant card you have. Many implants are safe for MRI, but each one must be checked first. Remove jewelry and wear comfortable clothes without metal. Let the team know if tight spaces make you anxious.
During the scan
You lie on your back on a padded table, and a coil is placed around your neck. Staying still helps make clear pictures, so try not to swallow hard or move your head. The machine is loud, and you will get ear protection. You can talk with the technologist and use a call button if you need help. Most patients are in and out of Millenium MRI in about 35 minutes.
Contrast
Most cervical MRIs are done without contrast dye. Sometimes a doctor orders contrast to look more closely at infection, inflammation, tumors or past surgery. Millenium MRI performs non-contrast MRI only. If your doctor's order calls for contrast, ask your doctor where to schedule that exam.
After the scan
You can usually go back to normal activities right away. A board-certified radiologist reads your images and sends a report to your doctor, usually within 24 hours. Your doctor will explain what the findings mean for you.
What do cervical MRI results mean?
A normal report means no clear problem was seen in the area scanned. It does not rule out every cause of pain.
An abnormal report describes findings such as disc bulges, stenosis or arthritis. Many adults have some of these changes without any symptoms, so your doctor will compare the findings with your symptoms and exam before deciding on treatment.
Getting a cervical MRI at Millenium MRI
Millenium MRI has centers in Ocala, Largo and Tamarac, Florida, and Jonesboro, Marion, North Little Rock and Springdale, Arkansas.
Payment route | Price or coverage | Referral needed? |
Florida self-pay | $300 per scan | No |
Arkansas self-pay | $500 per scan | No |
Insurance | Most plans accepted | Yes, a doctor's order |
Workers' comp or personal injury | Accepted | Usually an order |
ARRT-certified technologists perform the scans, and same-day appointments are often available.
Frequently asked questions
What does a cervical MRI show?
It shows the neck bones, discs, spinal canal, spinal cord, nerve roots and nearby soft tissue. It can help find herniated discs, stenosis, pinched nerves and cord compression. Your doctor interprets the findings with your symptoms.
How long does a cervical MRI take?
The scan itself is usually short. Most patients at Millenium MRI are in and out in about 35 minutes, depending on the exam. See our guide on how long an MRI takes for more.
How much does a cervical MRI cost?
At Millenium MRI, self-pay is $300 per scan in Florida and $500 per scan in Arkansas. With insurance, your cost depends on your plan, and you need a doctor's order.
Is a neck MRI the same as a brain MRI?
No. A cervical MRI focuses on the neck and spine. A brain MRI uses different images to look at the brain. Your doctor orders the exam that fits your symptoms.
Do I need a referral for a neck MRI?
Not if you pay cash. Self-pay patients do not need a referral. Insurance patients need a doctor's order.
Related reading
Schedule an MRI at Millenium MRI
If your doctor has ordered a cervical MRI, or you want a self-pay neck scan without a referral, Millenium MRI can help at any of our seven centers in Florida and Arkansas. We are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Request an appointment online to find a time that works for you.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific situation.
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