Private Full Spine MRI in Leeds: Cervical, Thoracic & Lumbar Spine
A full spine MRI provides detailed magnetic resonance imaging across the three principal regions of the spine: cervical, thoracic and lumbar.
This guide explains what each spinal region contains, how a full or whole spine MRI differs from a targeted scan, and what to consider when arranging a private spine MRI in Leeds.
One spine. Three main MRI regions.
The spine extends from the base of the skull through the neck, chest and lower back. For MRI purposes it is commonly divided into the cervical spine, thoracic spine and lumbar spine.
A clinician may request MRI of one particular region or, where the clinical question involves a broader area, a full spine MRI covering all three regions.
Put simply: cervical MRI looks at the neck, thoracic MRI examines the middle spine and lumbar MRI evaluates the lower back. A full spine MRI covers all three regions within the same imaging pathway.
What does a full spine MRI cover?
Each section of the spine contains different vertebrae, discs, joints and neurological structures. MRI allows these areas to be examined without using ionising X-ray radiation.
Cervical Spine MRI
The cervical spine consists of the vertebrae in the neck. MRI can provide detailed information about discs, vertebral structures, the spinal canal, spinal cord and surrounding soft tissues.
Thoracic Spine MRI
The thoracic spine forms the middle section of the spinal column. MRI can assess the vertebrae, discs, spinal canal and thoracic spinal cord where imaging is clinically indicated.
Lumbar Spine MRI
The lumbar spine is the lower section of the back. MRI is commonly used to assess discs, vertebral structures, the spinal canal and structures associated with the lower spinal nerves.
What is a full spine MRI?
A full spine MRI — sometimes described as a whole spine MRI — provides imaging across the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions rather than concentrating on one localised section.
The precise MRI sequences and protocol depend on the clinical question. A full-spine examination should therefore not be regarded simply as a larger version of every possible specialist spinal MRI protocol.
In some situations a targeted cervical, thoracic or lumbar MRI may provide the most appropriate information. In others, imaging more than one region may be relevant.
What is a cervical spine MRI?
A cervical spine MRI produces detailed images of the spinal structures within the neck.
Depending on the clinical question, imaging may provide information about the cervical vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal canal, spinal cord and nearby soft tissues.
Symptoms affecting the neck, shoulders, arms or hands can have many possible causes. MRI should therefore be selected according to the clinical assessment rather than symptoms alone.
What structures can a spine MRI help assess?
MRI provides detailed soft-tissue contrast and can be used to examine several important spinal structures.
What is relevant depends upon the reason for imaging and the protocol selected, but spinal MRI may provide information about:
What is a thoracic spine MRI?
The thoracic spine extends through the middle of the back, between the cervical and lumbar regions.
Compared with the neck and lower back, thoracic symptoms are discussed less frequently, but MRI of this region can be important when a clinician needs detailed information about the thoracic vertebrae, discs, spinal canal or spinal cord.
Whether the thoracic spine should be scanned on its own or as part of a wider full-spine examination depends upon the clinical question.
What is a lumbar spine MRI?
Lumbar spine MRI focuses on the lower back and is one of the most commonly requested forms of spinal MRI.
It can provide detailed images of the lumbar vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal canal and structures associated with the lower spinal nerves.
Lower back pain, leg pain, altered sensation and other symptoms may have many possible causes. MRI findings therefore need to be interpreted alongside the patient's clinical presentation rather than viewed in isolation.
Do you need a full spine MRI or a targeted scan?
More imaging is not automatically more useful imaging.
If symptoms and clinical findings point clearly towards one spinal region, a dedicated cervical, thoracic or lumbar MRI may provide the information required.
A full-spine MRI can be useful where the clinical question extends across more than one spinal region or where broader spinal assessment has been requested.
If you have a referral, the requested examination should be followed. If you are unsure which spinal region has been recommended, contact New Horizons Imaging before booking.
Which spine MRI should you book?
Symptoms alone do not always identify the correct imaging examination.
Neck pain does not automatically mean cervical MRI is needed, and lower back pain does not automatically mean lumbar MRI will be appropriate. The decision depends upon the clinical history, examination and reason for imaging.
A full-spine MRI should not simply be chosen because it covers a larger area. The most useful examination is the one that answers the appropriate clinical question. If you are unsure whether you need cervical, thoracic, lumbar or full-spine MRI, provide your referral or clinical information before booking.
What happens during a spine MRI?
Before your scan you will complete MRI safety screening and the imaging team will confirm the examination being performed.
You will usually lie on your back on the MRI table while specialist equipment is positioned to obtain the required spinal images.
The table moves into the scanner and you will need to remain as still as possible during image acquisition. MRI scanners make loud tapping and mechanical noises, so appropriate hearing protection is provided.
A full-spine examination generally requires more imaging than a single targeted spinal region, so the appointment may take longer depending on the protocol required.
Spine MRI without ionising X-ray radiation
MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radiofrequency signals rather than ionising X-ray radiation.
Because of the magnetic field, MRI safety screening is essential. Tell the imaging team about implanted medical devices, previous operations, metal implants or fragments, and any other relevant medical history before your examination.
Can you self-refer for a private spine MRI?
New Horizons Imaging offers a self-referral pathway for selected non-emergency MRI examinations for eligible adults, subject to clinical review.
The appropriate scan area still needs to be established before imaging. Where symptoms, previous surgery, specialist findings or other clinical factors make the pathway more complex, further referral information may be required.
If you already have a referral requesting cervical, thoracic, lumbar or full-spine MRI, provide this when arranging your scan.
Cervical, thoracic, lumbar and full-spine MRI in Headingley, Leeds
New Horizons Imaging provides private MRI scanning from AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium in Leeds.
Spine MRI options include cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine and full-spine examinations, subject to the appropriate clinical pathway and MRI safety screening.
Patients travel to our Leeds MRI centre from across Yorkshire for private imaging, including from Bradford, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Halifax, Doncaster and surrounding areas.
A routine private MRI appointment is not an alternative to emergency medical care. New loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle or genital area, severe or rapidly progressing weakness, or other sudden serious neurological symptoms should be assessed urgently rather than waiting for a routine private MRI appointment.
Explore private MRI services at New Horizons Imaging
View our MRI Services & Pricing page for current scan options available through New Horizons Imaging.
If you are travelling into Leeds for your MRI, visit our Areas We Serve page for local travel information and regional MRI guides.
If you are unsure which spinal examination you require, contact the New Horizons Imaging team before booking.
Frequently asked questions about full spine MRI
What does a full spine MRI include?
A full spine MRI generally covers the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. The precise sequences and imaging protocol depend upon the clinical question being investigated.
Is a full spine MRI the same as a lumbar MRI?
No. A lumbar MRI concentrates on the lower back and lumbar spine. A full-spine examination covers the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal regions.
What is the difference between cervical and thoracic MRI?
Cervical spine MRI examines the neck and upper spinal region. Thoracic spine MRI examines the middle section of the spine extending through the chest and mid back.
Can MRI show spinal discs?
MRI provides detailed images of intervertebral discs and surrounding spinal structures. The significance of any imaging finding should be considered alongside symptoms and the clinical assessment.
Should I book a full spine MRI for back pain?
Not necessarily. The most appropriate scan depends on the location of symptoms, medical history and clinical question. A targeted cervical, thoracic or lumbar examination may be more appropriate than a full-spine scan in some situations.
Does spine MRI use radiation?
MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency signals rather than ionising X-ray radiation. MRI safety screening is required before the scan.
Can I book a private full spine MRI in Leeds?
New Horizons Imaging provides private spine MRI services in Leeds, including cervical, thoracic, lumbar and full-spine examinations, subject to clinical review, the appropriate referral pathway and MRI safety screening.
Where does New Horizons Imaging perform spine MRI scans?
New Horizons Imaging provides private MRI scanning from AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, St Michael's Lane, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3BR.
Cervical, thoracic, lumbar or full spine? Speak to our Leeds MRI team.
If you already know which spine MRI you require, you can begin your booking online. If you are unsure which region should be scanned, provide your referral or clinical information so the appropriate examination can be confirmed.