What You Can Learn From A Spinal MRI
Category: Spine | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: July 8, 2026
An X-ray is the most commonly ordered imaging technique used to get a look inside the body, but it is limited in what information it can provide the doctor and patient. When you need a more accurate diagnosis covering a wider variety of spinal structures, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is oftentimes the best option.
But what can you learn about the spine from an MRI? We take a closer look at some of the injuries and conditions doctors can diagnose with the help of an MRI in today’s blog.
Vertebral Health
An MRI will capture detailed pictures of the individual vertebrae in your spine, which can showcase issues like:
- Vertebral fractures
- Structural deformities
- Infection
- Spondylolisthesis
Disc Issues
An MRI will also assist in telling you more about the health of your intervertebral discs. These soft, gel-filled cushions sit between your vertebrae and aid in spinal movement while also acting as a shock absorber. An MRI can give a better look at these discs to look for signs of:
- Bulging discs
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sometimes your symptoms are the result of damage to the soft tissues that support your spinal column, including tendons, ligaments and muscles in the area. An x-ray can only highlight pictures of bones, which is why an MRI is perfect for understanding more about the health of the soft tissues in your spine. It can help to showcase:
- Sprains
- Tears
- Inflammation
Nerve Damage
Numerous nerves run down your spine and traverse in close proximity to key spinal structures. If a disc shifts or an opening shrinks and compresses a nerve, you may deal with localized or radiating symptoms that could impact your arms and legs. If nerve damage is suspected, your doctor will order an MRI to look for:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Bone spur formation
- Inflammation from trauma or injury
Abnormal Growths
Finally, an MRI can also be used to identify abnormal growths or the development of something that simply shouldn’t be there. An MRI can showcase:
- Tumor development
- Infection or fluid accumulation
- Bone spurs
Simply put, an MRI is an incredibly helpful diagnostic tool for learning more about what’s causing the symptoms in your spine. Dr. Sinicropi will evaluate your spine, ask you questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam before determining if further evaluation is needed with the help of an MRI. To get to the bottom of your spinal discomfort and to get set up with a comprehensive treatment plan, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
