MRI scans are frequently used to evaluate the structures of the thoracic spine, also known as the mid-back.
A variety of trends have increased the use of MRI in evaluating the spine
- more sports activity, computer use, and we've remained
much more active into our later years than previous generations.
If
you've injured your back or have chronic back pain, your doctor will
probably first order an x-ray. After an x-ray, an MRI may be needed to
evaluate the internal structures of the thoracic spine. On your doctor's order
for the MRI you might see:
"r/o disc disease" -
this refers to the discs that act as shock absorbers between the
vertebral bodies of the spine. They can be injured or "flatten" over
time and bulge and press on nerve roots. These
are the flat structures between the tall, somewhat square gray
bones (the vertebral bodies) in the picture to the right.
"r/o herniation"-
this refers to a disc herniation. If the outer part of the disc tears,
a jelly like substance can escape out (aka herniate) and cause
radiating pain or weakness in the neck, back shoulder, arm or hand.
"r/o stenosis" - this
refers to narrowing of the spinal canal and openings for the nerve
roots. Bulging discs and other degenerative changes of the spine can
narrow the spinal canal, causing pain or weakness. In
the picture you can see the spinal cord as the long light grey
structure, just behind the vertebral bodies, surrounded by white fluid.
(FYI - "r/o" is short for "rule out")
An MRI of the thoracic spine will evaluate:
Bones
A thoracic spine MRI will include the thoracic vertebral bodies, lamina,
facets, spinous process and parts of the upper lumbar spine and lower cervical spine. The thoracic spine MRI can detect bone fractures,
tumors, infection and evaluate post-surgical changes. An MRI can also
determine the extent of degenerative changes (arthritis) and be used
for pre-operative planning for spinal fusion.
Discs
Thoracic spine MRIs are very good at looking at the discs between your vertebral bodies. A thoracic spine MRI can
detect disc flattening, bulges, herniations, and infection (aka discitis).
Spinal Canal and Neural Foramina
Spinal
nerves arise from spinal cord and leave the spinal canal through holes called the
neural foramina. The canal and these exit points can be blocked and
cause back, chest, shoulder, hand pain or weakness.
Soft Tissues
This
refers
to the muscles and tissues around your thoracic spine. The thoracic spine
MRI can detect infections, fluid collections and tumors of these
structures. It also includes some parts of the lungs and heart.
Your Thoracic Spine MRI Scan
A thoracic spine MRI generally takes about 20-30 minutes or so to complete. If you are
going for one, wear loose comfortable clothing and remember to remove
all metal (jewelry, phones, rings, etc) before going into the MRI scan
room. If you've had surgery or have a history of cancer, you'll probably have the test done with MRI contrast.
If you're insured, you may need to have your test authorized (approved) by your insurance company first. If you're uninsured use our website to look up MRI of the thoracic spine scan costs, find a certified imaging center and buy your test with a credit card.
Have you had a Thoracic Spine MRI scan? What was it like? Please leave your comments below.