MRI Dorsal Spine: Price, Purpose, Procedure & Results [2024]
An MRI of the dorsal spine (also known as the thoracic spine) is an imaging test used to visualize the thoracic region of the spine. The thoracic spine is the middle part of the spine and runs from the base of the neck to the lower back. This test can identify abnormalities or injuries in the spinal cord, bones, and surrounding soft tissues. Some common conditions that it can diagnose include herniated discs, spinal tumors, and degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis.
This test is generally safe, and painless and does not involve any ionizing radiations like X-Rays. It uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer. The cost of an MRI Dorsal Spine ranges from ₹ 2700 to ₹ 8000.
Your doctor may recommend MRI Dorsal Spine if you have any of the following
- Back pain or stiffness, especially if it is severe or persistent
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain spreading to the legs, arms, and chest
- History of trauma to the back or spine
- Scoliosis or other abnormal curvature of the spine
MRI Dorsal Spine Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | MRI of the thoracic spine, MRI of the upper back, Thoracic MRI, Upper back MRI, T-spine MRI, Upper spinal MRI |
| Purpose | To diagnose and evaluate conditions of the bones, nerves, and other tissues in the upper back such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, tumors, and degenerative conditions like scoliosis. |
| Preparation | No special preparation is required. Remove any metal objects and wear comfortable clothing without metal parts. |
| Fasting | No |
| Reporting Time | <24 hours |
| Cost | ₹ 2700 to ₹ 8000 |
Cost of MRI Dorsal Spine
The cost usually ranges from Rs 2700 to Rs 8000. However, it may go up in cases involving special scans or if the test involves the use of a contrast media. The actual price would depend on the type of study, MRI centre, city, and technology (1.5 or 3 Tesla). Bookmerilab partner with more than 80 MRI centres in India and provide up to 50% discount. Contact us for more details.
Cost at Popular MRI Centres
The prices at some of the Popular MRI centres in India are listed below. 10-50% discounts are available at the below prices.
| Diagnostic Centres | Price |
|---|---|
| National Imaging | ₹ 2700 |
| Ganesh Diagnostics | ₹ 4800 |
| Mahajan Imaging | ₹ 6800 – ₹ 7200 |
| Aarthi Scans | ₹ 3285 |
| Healthmap Gurugram | ₹ 3307 |
| Srivastava MRI-NOIDA | ₹ 5250 |
| PULSE IMAGING | ₹ 4550 |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital – KRSNAA | ₹ 2625 |
| NM Medical | ₹ 7225 |
| Shree Krishna Diagnostics | ₹ 4900 |
| Vijaya Diagnostic Centre | ₹ 7500 |
Prices in Different Indian Cities
BookmeriLab has partnered with more than 80 MRI centres across India. We offer this test at an affordable starting price of Rs 2700 to Rs 8000. The table below shows the cost in major cities.
| Cities | Test Price Range |
|---|---|
| MRI Dorsal Spine Test Price in Delhi | ₹ 2700 – ₹ 7200 |
| MRI Dorsal Spine Test Price in Gurgaon | ₹ 3285 – ₹ 7200 |
| MRI Dorsal Spine Test Price in Noida | ₹ 2700 – ₹ 8000 |
| MRI Dorsal Spine Test Price in Mumbai | ₹ 2625 – ₹ 7225 |
| MRI Dorsal Spine Test Price in Kolkata | ₹ 3150 – ₹ 6650 |
| MRI Dorsal Spine Test Price in Bangalore | ₹ 2700 – ₹ 8000 |
| MRI Dorsal Spine Test Price in Hyderabad | ₹ 3285 – ₹ 7500 |
| MRI Dorsal Spine Test Price in Chennai | ₹ 3150 – ₹ 3285 |
Anatomy of the Spine
- The vertebral column, also known as the spinal column or spine, is made up of 33 vertebrae that are stacked on top of each other.
- Vertebrae are separated by intervertebral disks, which act as cushions and allow for movement of the spine.
- This also protects the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that runs through the center of the column and carries signals to and from the brain.
- It is divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccyx.
- The cervical region is made up of 7 vertebrae, numbered C1 to C7.
- Thoracic region is made up of 12 vertebrae, numbered T1 to T12.
- Lumbar region is made up of 5 vertebrae, numbered L1 to L5.
- Sacral region is made up of 5 fused vertebrae, numbered S1 to S5.
- Coccyx region is made up of 4 fused vertebrae.
Purpose For MRI of Dorsal Spine
This test helps diagnose and evaluate conditions of the upper and middle back region. Below we have listed the main purposes-
- Diagnosis of back pain or other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling in the legs.
- Evaluation of any abnormalities or injuries to the spinal cord, nerves, vertebrae, and surrounding tissues such as vertebral fractures, slipped discs, etc.
- Detection of congenital ( since birth) abnormalities and diseases of the spine
- To monitor the progression of a disease or condition that affects the spine, such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or herniated discs.
- For diagnosis of infections in the spinal region like spinal Tuberculosis.
- Detection of spinal metastasis (spread of cancer from other parts like lungs and kidneys to the spine)
- Planning and monitoring of treatment, such as surgery or physical therapy, for spinal problems.
- To help guide certain procedures, such as a spinal injection or biopsy.
Preparing for the scan
- Inform your doctor of any medications and allergies.
- Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing. Also, avoid metal zippers or buttons.
- Remove any jewellery or metal objects from your body.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or might be.
- Fill out any forms or questionnaires about medical history and symptoms.
- You will be given earplugs or headphones to wear during the scan. This helps to reduce the noise made by the machine.
Procedure
- You will be asked to lie down on a table that slides into a large tube-like machine.
- Earplugs or headphones will be given to you. It covers up loud knocking and humming noises made by the machine.
- A contrast agent may be injected into a vein through an IV line. The contrast agent used for an MRI is different from that used in CT and has a lower risk for allergies. The one most commonly used is Gadolinium.
- You will be asked to hold still and may be asked to hold your breath at certain points during the scan.
- The scan typically takes 30-45 minutes.
- The images will be analyzed by a radiologist and interpreted by the referring physician.
Result Interpretation
In a normal MRI scan of the dorsal spine, the vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, and nerve roots should all appear to be intact and free from any problems.
Abnormal results may include:
- Herniated intervertebral discs
- Degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis or spondylosis
- Tumors or cysts in the spine
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (Spinal Stenosis)
- Displacement of one vertebral body over another (Spondylolisthesis)
- Fractures or injuries to the vertebrae
- Abnormal curvature of the spine (Lordosis)
- Serious infections like Osteomyelitis
- Inflammatory conditions of the spine like Ankylosing Spondylitis
The radiologist will provide the final interpretation of the MRI scan report and will take into account the patient’s clinical history, symptoms, and physical examination before reaching a diagnosis.
Other Imaging Tests for the Dorsal Spine
- X-rays
- CT scan (Computed Tomography)
- Myelography
- Bone scan
- DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry)
- Ultrasound
MRI Dorsal Spine Sample Report
Risks
There may be some risks associated with an MRI such as-
- The contrast agent used in some MRI scans carries a very small risk of causing an allergic response.
- While inside the MRI machine, some persons may feel minor discomfort or claustrophobia.
- Because of the powerful magnetic field, it may cause harm to people who have certain medical equipment like pacemakers or cochlear implants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an MRI of the dorsal spine produces accurate images of the spine’s soft tissues and bones without causing any pain. It can identify a wide range of spine problems as well as degenerative diseases. We can examine the dorsal spine with other imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds. However, MRI is the best option for the imaging of the soft tissues of the spine like intervertebral discs, nerves, etc. Before reaching a diagnosis, a radiologist will typically evaluate and interpret the results while taking the patient’s clinical history, symptoms, and physical examination into account.
FAQs
A: An MRI of the dorsal spine is used to evaluate the bones, disks, and other structures of the upper and middle back.
A: The scan itself typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
A: You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and avoid wearing anything that contains metal.
A: No, an MRI is not painful.
A: You can eat and drink normally before an MRI of the dorsal spine.
A: No, there are no side effects associated with an MRI.
A: Yes, you can return to your normal activities immediately after an MRI.
How to Book an MRI Dorsal Spine Scan?
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.