Diagnostic Spine MRI Scan
Get an accurate diagnosis for spinal pain with Vista Health’s MRI scan service. We provide separate scans for the lumbar spine, thoracic spine, cervical spine and sacrum.
Schedule an appointment through our online form.
Diagnose Problems Early
You may be tempted to ignore spinal pain, thinking it will eventually disappear. In many cases, you’re right. However, if it lasts more than a few weeks and keeps you from performing daily activities, then it’s time to seek medical attention.
Get a diagnosis of your spine as soon as possible through Vista Health. We provide affordable, easy-to-schedule MRI scans. Your appointment can be as early as tomorrow so you can find out what the problem is and have it treated before it gets any worse.
Symptoms that May Warrant a Spine MRI
You may need to get a spine MRI if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Shooting or burning pain in your spine or down your limbs
- Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
- Weakness in any part of your body
- Incoordination or paralysis
What a Spine MRI Scan Detects
What your spine MRI scan will show depends on which part will be scanned. The images generally show your vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord and other nerves, brain stem, arteries and veins, associated muscles and other soft tissues surrounding the spine
You can have a targeted MRI scan, too. These include the following spine scans:
Cervical Spine Scan
A cervical spine MRI scan will include images of your C1 to C7 vertebrae. These are your neck bones. They go from the base of your skull to the top of your ribcage and are the most flexible parts of your spine.
Thoracic Spine Scan
A thoracic spine MRI will show the 12 vertebrae in the middle of your spine, labelled T1 to T12. These vertebrae start at the base of your neck and go down to the bottom of the ribs.
Lumbar and Sacral Spine Scan
Your lumbar spine consists of the vertebrae of your lower back, labelled L1 to L5. It is the second most flexible section while also carrying the most weight, making it the most susceptible to injury. The sacrum (the bony ‘shield’ at the base of your spine) supports and connects the spine to the pelvis. It attaches to the pelvic girdle by the sacroiliac joints, forming part of the protection of the internal pelvic organs. It is a fusion of 5 vertebrae through which the lower sacral nerves pass into the pelvis.
Possible Conditions
Based on the results of the scan, you may be diagnosed with any of a multitude of conditions:
- Spinal fracture
- Improper spine curvature
- Inflammation
- Spinal cord damage
- Pinched nerves
- Spinal congenital defects
- Herniated discs
- Cervical stenosis
- Infections
- Tumours
A spine MRI scan is a diagnostic tool, so it won’t treat these conditions. However, the results will allow your physician to make informed decisions and recommend an appropriate treatment.
How To Prepare For Your MRI Scan
Unless you’re told to fast or avoid taking medication, you don’t need to do anything different prior to your MRI scan. However, some conditions and implants may change how the procedure is performed. These include:
- Electronic implants (pacemakers and cochlear implants)
- Artificial joints or heart valves
- Claustrophobia
- Pregnancy
If you have any of these conditions, your radiologist may take additional precautions or use different techniques to work around the interference they may cause. For example, a sedative may be used if you are claustrophobic.
In some cases, your spine MRI scan may require a contrast agent. Be sure to inform our team of any allergies you have, as you may be allergic to the material used.
A Team that Cares
After getting the results of your MRI scan, you may feel confused or even frightened. You may be concerned that you’ll be unable to do the physical activities or sports you love. However, you won’t be alone. Our team is here to guide you.
At Vista Health, you’ll have a friendly patient care team to support you through your journey toward recovery. Along with diagnosing your condition, they’ll provide advice, present your options and help you identify the best course of action for your health.
Schedule Your MRI Scan
Easily schedule an MRI scan for an affordable price through Vista Health. Your appointment can be as early as tomorrow, and you’ll get support from our patient care team.
Book an appointment online or call our patient care line to discuss your scan on 0330 134 2627 or make an enquiry by filling out our contact form.
Select another Body Part
Select a body part from the list below for more information on what to expect from your MRI Scan.
Full Body
Head
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Your Health, Your Choice
*All prices include scan, images and report*
Fast Track MRI -Scan within 7 days |
£365 |
Standard MRI -Scan from 7 days |
£345 |
Off-Peak MRI Scan -Limited fixed scan times |
£249 |
Skip long waiting times
Prices include reports
Refer Yourself. No need for GP Referral
Fast Reporting and Digital Images
UK's most competitive prices
Immediate Access to Scans
Rated excellent on Trustpilot
Patient Care Team available 7 days
Skip long waiting times
Prices include reports
Refer Yourself. No need for GP Referral
Fast Reporting and Digital Images
UK's most competitive prices
Immediate Access to Scans
Rated excellent on Trustpilot
Patient Care Team available 7 days
Concerned about illness or injury? Immediate access to diagnostic services
No Referral? No Problem
Vista Health has pioneered the self-referral pathway within private diagnostic services. We know how difficult it can be to see a GP, so we made it easier than ever for you to access diagnostic services when you need them the most.
We offer private diagnostic services on a self-referral basis, which means you don't need to get a referral from your NHS GP. Simply use our online booking or refer yourself services or simply contact us and we will guide you through our easy-to-follow self-referral process.
There are a number of ways to book an appointment with us:
You can refer yourself by completing the online form here. Submit the form to us and our friendly team will contact you directly.
You can refer yourself, choose and book your own appointment here. In a few easy steps you can book your appointment with us at a time to suit you.
You can make a general enquiry by completing the contact form here. We will then call or email you back and answer any questions that you may have.
Call our dedicated Patient Care team directly on 0330 173 7871 and we can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.