Your Guide to Neck Pain: Interpreting Your Cervical MRI Findings

Understanding Your Cervical MRI Report: A Comprehensive Guide to Neck Health

A cervical MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a detailed scan of the neck vertebrae (C1-C7) and spinal cord. It is an essential tool for diagnosing the causes of neck pain, numbness, or weakness. The report often describes the spine’s natural curve, known as cervical lordosis. A loss of this curve, referred to as straightening or even a reversal (kyphosis), may be a sign of muscle spasms or postural issues. Key terms like disk degeneration refer to the drying and thinning of the intervertebral discs, which lose their ability to act as shock absorbers over time. The signal intensity of the disc on a T2-weighted image can indicate this, with a low signal suggesting a loss of water content.

Common Disc Problems and Their Impact

One of the most frequent findings in a cervical MRI report is a disk herniation or “fıtık”. This occurs when the disc’s outer layer ruptures, causing the inner material to press on a nerve or the spinal cord. A milder form, where the disc bulges slightly without a tear, is called protrusion. More severe cases, such as extrusion or a detached fragment known as a sequestration, indicate a more advanced stage of herniation. Depending on its location—such as central (medial), paracentral, or foraminal—a herniated disc can lead to symptoms ranging from radiculopathy (nerve root compression causing pain, numbness, or weakness) to a more serious condition called myelopathy (spinal cord compression

Understanding Spinal and Foraminal Narrowing

Your MRI report might mention a narrowing of the channels within your spine. Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the main spinal canal where the spinal cord is located. Meanwhile, foraminal stenosis is the narrowing of the openings where the nerve roots exit the spine, known as the neural foramina. These conditions are often caused by osteophytes (bone spurs) or a herniated disc. When this narrowing causes pressure on the spinal cord, it can result in myelopathy, which is identified on a T2-weighted MRI as a bright signal (hyperintense) within the spinal cord itself.

Key MRI Terms and What They Mean for Your Health

MRI reports use specific terms to describe findings on different types of images. T1-weighted images are great for showing anatomical detail, while T2-weighted images are ideal for highlighting fluid, making them useful for detecting pathologies like edema, herniation, and inflammation. Other important terms you might see include syringomyelia, which is a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord , and edema, or fluid buildup in tissues, which can indicate trauma or an inflammatory condition. Understanding these terms can help you better comprehend your diagnosis and potential treatment options, such as those related to spondylosis (general degenerative changes) or facet joint arthropathy (arthritis in the small joints between vertebrae).