Spine MRI

Enough for pain! Whether it is back pain, neck pain, lower back pain, or radiating arm/leg pain.

Even though these symptoms are minor and similar to common aches, they significantly impact daily life and various activities. Often, we ignore them until the symptoms worsen, regrettably missing the best opportunities and timing for treatment.

Symptoms that warrant a spinal MRI scan:

Chronic, intermittent back pain
Back pain radiating down the leg
Severe neck pain radiating down the arm
Arm or leg weakness, loss of strength, or muscle wasting
Decreased sexual performance
Inability to control urination or defecation

What can cause spine disease?

Abnormalities in the “spine” can be caused by the body’s natural aging process, daily habits such as lifting heavy objects, incorrect body movements, accidents, or prolonged sitting. These can lead to both physiological abnormalities and various symptoms like pain and numbness.

How can MRI improve diagnosis and treatment of spine disease?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an effective method often used by doctors to diagnose symptoms accurately, pinpoint the location of the disease, and identify the cause of abnormalities. It also helps in planning precise and targeted treatment.

How many sections can the spine MRI scan be divided into?

The spine MRI scan is divided into 3 sections:

C-spine MRI: Cervical spine (neck) scan

T-spine MRI: Thoracic spine (mid-back) scan

LS-spine MRI: Lumbar spine (lower back) scan

Cervical Spine Scan (C-Spine MRI)

Chronic neck pain for an extended period
Severe neck pain accompanied by fever, chills, fatigue, and weight loss
History of injury to the cervical spine
Numbness, weakness, or a heavy sensation in the arms and legs
Pain radiating down the arm, accompanied by numbness or weakness
A feeling of pins and needles in the arm
Spasticity/jerking in both arms and legs, poor balance, inability to walk far
Inability to control bowel or bladder movements

Thoracic Spine Scan (T-Spine MRI)

Chronic mid-back pain for an extended period
Severe mid-back pain, accompanied by fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, pain at night
Spasticity/jerking in the legs, poor balance in both legs, without spasticity in the arms and hands

Lumbar Spine Scan (L-S-Spine MRI)

History of chronic lower back pain for an extended period
Severe lower back pain, accompanied by fever, chills, fatigue, weight loss
Pain radiating down the leg, accompanied by numbness or weakness
Muscle wasting in the legs, arm or leg weakness
Involuntary jerking of arms and legs
Pain, numbness, or weakness while walking, inability to walk far
Inability to control bowel movements or numbness around the buttocks or anus
Decreased sexual performance

Examples of diseases that an MRI scan can examine.

Cervical Spondylosis

Often found in the elderly, it occurs without warning signs. Symptoms worsen with age and may include pain radiating from the neck to the shoulders or arms, as well as neck stiffness, making normal neck movement difficult.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Caused by compression of the spinal cord or nerves in the neck, leading to pain in one or both arms. If compressed for a prolonged period, it can lead to more severe symptoms and potentially permanent nerve damage.

Herniated Disc

Occurs due to degeneration of the spinal structure, causing the disc to collapse and press on a nerve, leading to nerve inflammation. Initial symptoms include back pain, lower back pain, arm/leg numbness, and weakness.

Osteoporosis

A condition where bone density decreases, leading to weaker, more brittle bones that are easily fractured even with a minor impact. Common fracture sites due to osteoporosis include the wrist, spine, and hip.

Why Choose Spine Treatment at the BNH Spine Centre

The highly experienced team of spine specialists at the BNH Spine Centre, along with a multidisciplinary medical team, provides care both before and after surgery for patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes.

The BNH Spine Centre is the first comprehensive spinal treatment center in Thailand, equipped with modern facilities and a team of highly specialized medical professionals in spinal diseases. They are well-known and respected in the field, ready to provide proper consultation and treatment, coupled with the use of the latest advanced technology for accurate, precise, and safe results.

Our Spine Specialists

The BNH Hospital’s spine specialist team, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wicharn Yingsakmongkol, Spine Surgeon and the Director of the BNH Spine Centre, along with the centre’s specialized medical team and multidisciplinary physicians, and the use of advanced equipment and technology for spinal disease treatment, has helped restore a better quality of life for over 1,000 patients.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wicharn Yingsakmongkol – Spine Surgeon and the Director of the BNH Spine Centre

Dr. Prasert Iampreechakul – Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon

Dr. Eakpatipan Eamskoolnont – Spine Surgeon

Dr. Arthit Hongvanit – Spine Surgeon

Prof. Dr. Supranee Niruthisard – Spine Surgeon

Dr. Wiwat Saenglerdasilpchai – Cardiologist, at the Cardiometabolic Centre

Asst. Prof. Dr. Pornlert Chatrkaw – Anesthesiologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pornpan Chalermkitpanit – Anesthesiologist specializing in pain management, BNH Pain Clinic

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krisna Piravej – Rehabilitation doctor, BNH Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Department