An MRI scan is a useful diagnostic tool to diagnose cervical radiculopathy. Imaging of the body may show how a cervical herniated disc or bone spur is impeding a nerve root in the neck. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most common imaging study used when checking for cervical radiculopathy because it shows nerves and other soft tissues ...

Colorado spine surgeon, Dr. Corenman explains how to understand an MRI of a normal neck. This video discusses the anatomy and basic conditions associated with the neck.

An MRI is the most common imaging used to diagnose cervical foraminal stenosis. CT with myelography or without myelography may be used in cases where MRI is not an option. Also, many people have cervical foraminal stenosis based on what is seen on medical imaging but have no related symptoms.

Cervical spinal stenosis does not always cause symptoms. It is possible to have cervical foraminal narrowing that is visible on medical imaging, such as an MRI, without any associated pain or neurological deficits. The underlying factors as to why some people with cervical foraminal stenosis have symptoms and others do not is still being ...

If the cervical bone spur starts going into the spinal canal and irritates the spinal cord, then a person may have additional neurological problems such as balance and/or coordination issues, excruciating shock-like pains through the arms and/or legs that might be made worse when bending forward, weakness or numbness anywhere beneath the neck, and possibly loss bowel or bladder control.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used when high-resolution images of the body’s tissues are required for diagnosis and treatment. For back or neck pain, MRI scans are a preferred diagnostic tool for investigating musculoskeletal problems with or without neurologic deficits when previous imaging is suggestive of spinal pathology.

If the doctor determines that an imaging study is needed to check for a potential disc problem, then an MRI will likely be ordered. An MRI, X-ray, or possibly a CT scan can confirm whether and where degeneration is occurring, as well as identify other conditions (such as osteoarthritis or stenosis) that might be causing the symptoms.

If cervical stenosis with myelopathy is suspected based on medical history and physical exam, the spinal cord impingement within the narrowed canal can usually be confirmed with an MRI scan or CT scan with myelogram. Flexion/extension lateral cervical spine x-rays are also useful to check for abnormal motion and instability, which can also be ...

The inflamed or damaged tissue that stimulates cervical osteophyte growth is often caused by cervical osteoarthritis, a degradation in the neck joints that occurs in many older people. These joints include the disc spaces themselves (a modified joint), the facet joints, and the uncovertebral joints (in levels C3 through C7).

Spurling’s test checks to see if compressing the cervical spine (temporarily) worsens or recreates the patient’s symptoms, which could indicate a pinched nerve. If the doctor collects enough information to suspect cervical osteoarthritis, he or she will likely recommend starting the patient on a nonsurgical treatment program.