Why is an MRI Cervical Extension Flexion Important?
1] Herniated Discs: A disc can herniate or bulge out of place, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This movement-based MRI Scan can help visualize how the herniation changes with neck movement and if it compresses nerves more during extension or flexion.
2] Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord or nerves. With flexion and extension, the space in the spinal canal changes, making it easier to see how stenosis might worsen with certain movements.
3] Facet Joint Issues: The facet joints, which help the vertebrae move smoothly, can become arthritic or misaligned. An MRI during movement can highlight any issues in the joints that may not be visible when the neck is in a neutral position.
4] Cervical Instability: Ligamentous injury or degeneration can lead to instability between vertebrae. An MRI during flexion and extension can reveal abnormal movement between vertebrae, helping to diagnose instability.
5] Nerve Compression: The nerves exiting the cervical spine can be compressed by bulging discs or misaligned vertebrae. The MRI can show how these nerves are affected during movement, revealing the cause of pain, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands.
How is the MRI Cervical Extension Flexion Performed?
The procedure for an MRI Cervical Extension Flexion scan typically follows these steps:
1] Preparation: No special preparation is usually needed for the MRI, but you will need to remove all metal objects like jewelry, hairpins, and piercings. In some cases, if contrast dye is required, you may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before the scan.
2] Positioning: You will be asked to lie on your back on the MRI table. A specialized coil will be placed around your neck to capture clear images. The technician will then gently move your head into the extension (backward) and flexion (forward) positions.
3] Imaging: The MRI machine uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create images of the cervical spine. You will need to remain still during the scan to avoid blurring. The MRI typically lasts around 20 to 30 minutes.
4] Contrast Dye (if required): In some cases, a contrast dye may be injected to help highlight certain areas of the spine, blood vessels, or nerve roots. This step is not always necessary and depends on your specific condition.
5] Post-scan: After the scan, you can resume normal activities. If you were injected with contrast dye, the healthcare team may monitor you briefly to ensure there are no allergic reactions, but there is generally no downtime.
Conditions Diagnosed with MRI Cervical Extension Flexion
1] Herniated Discs: Bulging or slipped discs that may cause nerve compression.
2] Facet Joint Degeneration: Arthritis or inflammation of the facet joints.
3] Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal leading to nerve compression.
4] Cervical Instability: Abnormal movement or misalignment of vertebrae.
5] Nerve Root Compression: Pinched nerves causing pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or hands.
6] Soft Tissue and Ligament Damage: Injuries to the ligaments, muscles, or tendons supporting the neck.
