Jersey City Imaging Center performs MRI scans for the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back), and lumbar (lower back) spine, as well as full spine imaging. Our wide-bore 1.5T MRI is comfortable for most patients, and most spine scans are completed in 30 to 45 minutes.
A spine MRI is the most detailed imaging test available for the spine. It uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, with no radiation, to produce clear images of every structure in the spinal column.
A spine MRI shows:
X-rays show bones well, but they cannot show the spinal cord, nerves, or discs in detail. CT shows bones and some soft tissue, but MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing the soft tissue causes of back pain. If your physician suspects a disc problem, nerve compression, or any condition involving the spinal cord, MRI is the test that gives them the most complete picture.
Your scan is interpreted by a board-certified radiologist who sends a formal written report to you and your referring physician within 2 to 3 business days.
The spine has three main regions, and your physician orders an MRI of the specific region (or sometimes the full spine) based on where your symptoms are.
The cervical spine includes the seven vertebrae of your neck. A cervical spine MRI is ordered for neck pain, arm pain or numbness, headaches related to neck position, and suspected nerve compression in the neck. Common conditions diagnosed by cervical MRI include herniated discs, cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerves in the neck), cervical stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.
The thoracic spine includes the twelve vertebrae of your mid back, where your ribs attach. Thoracic spine MRI is less common than cervical or lumbar imaging but is ordered for mid back pain, chest wall pain, and suspected nerve compression in the mid back. It can also help identify tumors, fractures, or inflammatory conditions affecting this part of the spine.
The lumbar spine includes the five vertebrae of your lower back. A lumbar spine MRI is the most commonly ordered spine MRI because lower back pain is so widespread. It is used to diagnose herniated discs, sciatica, lumbar stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative disc disease, among other conditions.
If your physician needs to evaluate all three regions of the spine, Jersey City Imaging Center can perform a full spine MRI. This is often ordered when symptoms are spread across multiple regions, when screening for conditions like multiple sclerosis or scoliosis, or when complete spinal evaluation is needed before surgery or specialist consultation.
Spine MRI is the diagnostic test of choice for a wide range of spinal and neurological conditions. The most common include:
When the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer, it can press on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness. MRI clearly shows herniated discs and which nerves are affected.
Pain that radiates from the lower back down through the buttocks and leg, usually caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. MRI identifies the source of the compression, which is most often a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Common in older adults, spinal stenosis is clearly visible on MRI.
Age-related changes to the discs that can cause chronic pain and reduced flexibility. MRI shows the extent of disc degeneration.
A pinched nerve in the spine, often causing pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates into the arms or legs. MRI shows where the nerve is being compressed.
When one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, often causing back pain and nerve symptoms. MRI confirms the slippage and shows any nerve involvement.
Both benign and malignant tumors of the spine are clearly visible on MRI.
Conditions like discitis or osteomyelitis are diagnosed using MRI.
MRI of the spine, often combined with brain MRI, is the standard test for diagnosing and monitoring multiple sclerosis.
Your physician may order a spine MRI for many reasons, including:
If you have a prescription for a spine MRI from any licensed physician, you can schedule your scan at Jersey City Imaging Center.
A spine MRI follows the same general process as any MRI scan, with a few specifics worth knowing.
Our front desk verifies your identity, your prescription, and your insurance information. If you uploaded your insurance through your booking confirmation email, this step is fast.
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove all metal items, including jewelry, watches, hairpins, glasses, hearing aids, and clothing with metal zippers or snaps. Lockers are provided for your belongings.
Our technologist confirms MRI is safe for you. Tell us about any metal implants, pacemakers, aneurysm clips, or other devices in your body.
You will lie flat on your back on a padded table. For a spine MRI, the table slides into the wide-bore opening so the area being scanned is centered in the magnet. Cushioning is provided for your comfort.
The scan typically takes 30 to 45 minutes for a single region. Full spine scans take longer. The machine makes loud knocking and humming sounds during the scan, and we provide ear protection. You can talk to the technologist at any time through a two-way intercom, and you will hold a call button in case you need to pause.
For spine MRI in particular, holding still is important for clear images. Our team gives you specific instructions and supports you with pillows and positioning aids.
You can leave immediately and resume your normal day. There is no recovery time, no sedation, and no medical restrictions afterward.
A board-certified radiologist reviews your images and prepares a formal written report. Your report is sent to you and your referring physician within 2 to 3 business days.
Spine MRI scans take 30 to 45 minutes for a single region, which is longer than many other imaging tests. Comfort matters, especially when you are already dealing with back or neck pain.
Here is how Jersey City Imaging Center makes the experience easier:
Our wide-bore MRI is significantly more open than traditional closed MRI machines. This makes a real difference for most anxious patients and for anyone who has felt closed in during a previous scan.
Our team uses pillows, padding, and positioning aids to keep you as comfortable as possible during the scan. If you have specific pain points, tell us before we begin.
You hold a call button throughout the scan and can speak to the technologist at any time. If you need to pause or come out, we stop.
For severe claustrophobia or anxiety, light sedation can be arranged in advance through your prescribing physician. This is uncommon, since most patients are comfortable in our wide-bore design without it.
Spine MRI requires very little preparation. Here is what to do before your scan.
Confirm your appointment is on your calendar and that your insurance information has been uploaded through your booking confirmation email.
Eat normally and take your regular medications unless your physician told you otherwise. Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or snaps. Leave jewelry, watches, and metal accessories at home, or be prepared to remove them at check-in.
Your prescription, a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any prior imaging or related medical records if available.
Tell us if you have any metal implants, a pacemaker, an aneurysm clip, surgical staples, or other devices in your body. Also let us know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have severe claustrophobia. If you are in active back pain, tell us so we can help you get into position comfortably.
Jersey City Imaging Center accepts all major insurance plans for spine MRI, including Medicare and Medicaid. Most insured patients pay only their plan’s standard co-pay or coinsurance, which we verify before your appointment.
We also welcome self-pay patients with a prescription. Self-pay quotes are provided in writing within one business day of request, with no facility fees and no hidden charges.
Most spine MRIs at JCIC take 30 to 45 minutes for a single region (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar). Full spine MRI takes longer because it covers all three regions in one scan. Our team gives you an estimated duration when you book.
A lumbar MRI focuses only on the lower back, the five vertebrae of the lumbar spine. A full spine MRI covers all three spinal regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back), and lumbar (lower back). Your physician orders the specific region or full spine based on where your symptoms are and what they need to evaluate.
Yes. MRI is the most reliable imaging test for showing nerve compression, also called radiculopathy or a pinched nerve. The scan clearly shows where the nerve is being compressed, what is causing the compression (often a herniated disc or spinal stenosis), and how severely the nerve is affected.
Yes, with a prescription. Spine MRI is one of the most common imaging tests ordered for persistent back pain that has not improved with rest, physical therapy, or medication. Your physician decides whether MRI is the right next step based on your symptoms and history.
Yes. New Jersey law requires a prescription from a licensed physician for diagnostic imaging, including spine MRI. The prescription can come from any licensed provider, including primary care doctors, orthopedists, neurologists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other licensed prescribers.
Yes. Holding still is important for clear MRI images, especially for spine scans. Our team uses cushioning and positioning aids to keep you as comfortable as possible during the 30 to 45 minute scan. You can talk to the technologist through a two-way intercom and hold a call button in case you need to pause.
Yes. MRI uses no radiation, which makes it one of the safest imaging tests available. The main safety considerations are metal implants, pacemakers, and certain medical devices. Tell our team about any implants or devices before your scan so we can confirm MRI is safe for you.
Your spine MRI is interpreted by a board-certified radiologist who sends a formal written report to you and your referring physician within 2 to 3 business days. We can send results to any provider you choose.
Jersey City Imaging Center accepts all major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. We verify your specific coverage before your appointment and confirm your exact out-of-pocket cost in advance.
Yes. Self-pay patients are welcome at JCIC with a valid prescription. Self-pay quotes are provided in writing within one business day of request, with no hidden charges. Federal law also gives self-pay patients the right to a Good Faith Estimate, which we provide on request.
Booking your spine MRI at Jersey City Imaging Center takes just a few minutes online, or you can call us directly. Same-day appointments are often available, walk-ins are welcome, and our team verifies your insurance before your appointment so there are no surprises.
MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, X-ray, and DEXA bone density all under one roof at 2300 JFK Blvd. All insurance accepted. Walk-ins welcome. Reports in 2-3 business days.
2300 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07304
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