MRI Full Spine (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar)
Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar MRI in a single appointment — for diffuse pain, multi-level disease, MS, and metastatic work-up.
Find MRI Full Spine (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar) near you
What a mri full spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) shows
- Multi-level disc disease, stenosis, and nerve root compression
- Spinal cord lesions and demyelinating disease (MS)
- Metastatic disease and tumor screening
- Compression fractures across multiple vertebral levels
- Syrinx and congenital cord abnormalities
Why your physician orders it
- Suspected multi-level spinal disease
- MS staging or surveillance
- Cancer staging with possible spinal metastases
- Diffuse or migrating back pain
- Pre-operative planning for multi-region surgery
Contrast notes
Most musculoskeletal MRI is performed without contrast. Gadolinium is reserved for select indications — post-operative scar vs. recurrent disc, suspected infection or tumor, or arthrographic protocols. Your ordering physician and our radiologist will confirm contrast use before the exam, and kidney function is screened first when contrast is planned.
Prep summary
Most patients don't need special prep beyond completing the MRI/CT safety screening and removing metal jewelry. Specific prep (fasting, contrast, medication timing) is confirmed at scheduling.
Read the full MRI prep guideWhat to expect during the exam
Plan for 60–90 minutes — full-spine imaging combines three regional exams. You'll lie supine on the table while the coils image each region sequentially.
You can communicate with the technologist between sequences and request short breaks. If contrast is ordered, an IV is placed for the relevant portion of the study.
Results and report turnaround
Every study is interpreted by a board-certified radiologist — most by fellowship-trained sub-specialists in the relevant body system. Preliminary reads are typically available within a few hours, with the signed final report sent to your ordering provider the same business day.
You can also request a copy of the report and the imaging on disk for your own records or for a second opinion.
Cost and insurance
Most major California insurance plans cover medically necessary full spine MRI when authorized. Our team verifies your benefits before scheduling and tells you up front what — if anything — you'll owe.
We also accept cash pay, workers' compensation, and personal-injury liens. Self-pay rates are published below so there are no surprises at the front desk.
Why patients choose Precise Imaging for MRI Full Spine (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar)
Sub-specialty Reads
Fellowship-trained neuro, MSK, and body radiologists interpret every study.
Open & Wide-Bore Options
Comfortable choices for claustrophobic, pediatric, or larger patients.
Same-Day Appointments
Most locations offer same- or next-day scheduling, including evenings and weekends.
Every Financial Type
Insurance, cash, workers' comp, and personal injury liens accepted.
Find a mri full spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) location
Our network covers California from San Diego to Sacramento. Use the finder above to see MRI locations near you, or browse the full directory.
Frequently asked questions
When is full-spine MRI preferred over regional imaging?
When the clinical picture suggests disease at more than one level, when screening for metastatic disease, or when monitoring conditions like MS that affect the entire cord.
How long does it take?
60–90 minutes inside the scanner. Plan for about two hours door-to-door.
Is it covered by insurance?
Most insurers cover full-spine MRI when the clinical indication is documented and prior authorization is obtained. Our team handles authorization.
Can I do all three regions on different days?
Some patients prefer this for comfort. Either approach yields equivalent diagnostic information — your physician can specify in the order.
Will I need contrast?
Often yes for MS and tumor work-ups; non-contrast for most degenerative imaging. Renal function is screened first when contrast is planned.
How much does it cost?
We offer transparent, discounted self-pay rates — call 800-558-2223 for a quote. Insured patients pay only their plan's cost-share.