Scan Types / MRI Cervical Spine Scan
MRI Cervical Spine Scan
An MRI of the cervical spine offers highly detailed imaging of the vertebrae, discs, spinal cord, nerves, ligaments, and soft tissues in your neck. This scan is essential for investigating neck pain, nerve symptoms, injuries, or spinal disorders.
What is an MRI cervical spine scan?
The cervical spine includes the top seven vertebrae (C1–C7) at the base of the skull, forming the neck portion of your spinal column. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves — not X-rays — to create detailed, cross-sectional images of this region.
This scan allows visualisation of:
- Spinal cord and nerve roots
- Intervertebral discs
- Vertebral alignment
- Ligaments and surrounding soft tissue
- Signal changes in the cord or bone marrow
MRI is especially effective in evaluating degenerative, inflammatory, traumatic, or compressive conditions of the neck.
Why consider a private MRI scan for the cervical spine?
Neck pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms may be signs of spinal or nerve compression. MRI allows early detection of serious conditions — before permanent damage occurs.
Private scan benefits include:
- Appointments usually available within 7 days
- No radiation exposure
- Consultant radiologist report in 3 working days
- Better soft tissue and spinal cord detail than CT or X-ray
- Ideal for patients with disc issues, arthritis, or history of trauma
Symptoms that may warrant a cervical spine MRI
This scan may be recommended if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent or severe neck pain
- Numbness or tingling in arms or fingers
- Muscle weakness in the shoulders or arms
- History of whiplash or trauma
- Balance problems or difficulty walking
- Suspected disc herniation or spinal stenosis
- Post-operative symptoms or monitoring
What can a cervical spine MRI detect?
MRI scans of the neck can identify:
- Disc bulges and herniations
- Spinal cord compression or signal change
- Foraminal narrowing and nerve root impingement
- Degenerative disc disease and arthritis
- Tumors, cysts, or spinal infections
- Multiple sclerosis plaques or demyelination
- Post-surgical changes or scarring
Preparing for your cervical spine MRI
Easy preparation steps include:
- Avoid wearing metal (e.g., necklaces, zippers, clips)
- Inform staff of prior spine surgeries or implants
- Eat, drink, and take medications as normal
- Bring previous scans, if available, for comparison
Please notify the team if you have:
- You have a spinal implant, fusion hardware, or stimulator
- Medical implants like pacemakers
- You have had recent surgery on your feet or toes
- Pregnancy (especially first trimester)
- You experience anxiety or claustrophobia
How it works
Smarter Scanning. Proactive Health. Peace of Mind.
Choose
Pick a scan or a program. No referral required.
Book
Select a time online - same‑day availability.
Scan
Be seen by specialists in our Bluewater clinic.
Results
Consultant‑led report within 3 working days, accessible online.
Pricing for a private cervical spine MRI scan
Our transparent self-pay pricing options:
Includes detailed radiologist report within 3 working days.
Standard MRI
Non-contrast cervical spine scan
£295
With Contrast
Includes Gadolinium contrast if required
£495
Get clarity. Get control.
Cut out long NHS queues, avoid opaque private quotes, and step into a single-visit, consultant-led experience.
FAQs
Got a question? Check below to find the answer.
We’re an independent diagnostic centre in Dartford offering same-day private MRI with UK-consultant reporting and transparent self-pay pricing.
No-self-referral is welcome. If you already have a referral letter, upload it at checkout.
Prices start at £150 for single-area Off-Peak scans. Your fee covers the scan, double-reading, and unlimited portal access.
Many insurers reimburse private MRI. We provide the codes and receipts you need to claim.
Call 01322 - MRI - NOW, start a live chat, or email hello@myscanhub.co.uk.