The framework your whole body depends on.

You know its aches and niggles. Now see it in detail.

Your spine, joints, discs, muscles, and tendons form the framework your body depends on every day. MRI is well suited to this structure, taking clear pictures of discs, nerves, joints, and bone structure that other methods often can't match. This part of the scan covers the spine from top to bottom, along with the major joints and muscular structures, as part of the same 60-minute session.

What gets scanned in this area

Your scan covers key structures within the musculoskeletal system and spine:

Structure
What the scan looks at
Cervical spine
The neck region of the spine, including discs, nerve roots, and the spinal cord running through it.
Thoracic spine
The mid-back section of the spine. The scan looks at disc health, alignment, and surrounding structures.
Lumbar spine
The lower back, one of the most common sources of disc and nerve issues. The scan looks at disc health, nerve compression, and spinal alignment.
Spinal cord
The cord itself, reviewed for compression, structural changes, and anything out of the ordinary along its length.
Hip joints
The structure of both hips, including cartilage, tendons, and joint surfaces.
Sacroiliac joints
The joints connecting the spine to the pelvis. A common early site for inflammatory spinal conditions.
Shoulder joints
Both shoulder joints, with the tendons and surrounding tissue.

What the scan may show in this area

Your spine, discs, joints, and the nerves running through them. Changes here could be present for years before you feel any symptoms.

Spine and disc health

Changes to discs, nerve compression, and spinal alignment across all three regions of the spine.

Slipped disc
Narrowed spinal canal
Nerve compression
Spinal cord under pressure
Disc degeneration

Joints and connective tissue

Structural changes to the major joints and the tissue around them.

Hip wear and tear
Shoulder impingement
Sacroiliac joint inflammation
Cartilage thinning in the hip
Tendon tears around the shoulder

Inflammatory and systemic conditions

Conditions that affect the spine and joints as part of a broader systemic process.

Inflammatory spinal arthritis
Reduced bone density
Signs of bone marrow changes
Inflammatory changes in the sacroiliac joints

The scan looks at the area. A specialist radiologist may see signs that could be linked to these conditions. OneMRI does not diagnose. All findings are discussed in your post-scan consultation.

Why MRI for the musculoskeletal system and spine?

MRI creates clear pictures of the discs, nerves, tendons, cartilage, and bones. For the spine, it can show disc health, nerve compression, spinal cord and joint changes, all in the same session. Many of these changes can be present for years before you feel anything.

Relevant if you have a family history of...

Back, joint, and bone conditions can be passed down through generations. If any of the following appear in your family history, this part of the scan is particularly worth your attention:

Back or disc conditions
Inflammatory arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis
Osteoporosis or low bone density
Hip conditions or early hip replacement
Spinal stenosis
Autoimmune joint conditions
Common Questions

Musculoskeletal & Spine - Common Questions

Will this tell me why my back hurts?

The scan gives a detailed picture of the spine, discs, and nerves. If a disc, nerve, or structural issue is related to your pain, MRI is well placed to show it. What the scan cannot tell you is if a finding is the specific cause of your symptoms. That interpretation is for your GP or a specialist.

Does it cover the whole spine?

Yes. The scan covers all three areas of the spine - cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) - along with the spinal cord.

Can MRI show bone problems?

MRI can show changes in the bones, fractures, signs of reduced bone density and swelling. For a full bone density measurement, a DEXA scan is the right test. But MRI can flag early changes that are worth a closer look.

What if the scan finds something in my spine?

Specialist radiologists note any findings in the report, and a OneMRI doctor walks you through them at your post-scan consultation. Many findings are incidental and require no action. Others may benefit from a follow-up with a GP or physiotherapist.
Real Experiences

From people who've had the scan

The customer service and consultation from start to finish was excellent. All people involved were very good and attentive and nothing was a problem. If you had any questions, they responded in a timely manner. Overall, very good.
Very simple booking process. Thorough questioning to ensure the procedure was valid and there was no sales pressure. The call by the Dr was empathic and the explanation was made clear and very understandable.
The entire process with OneMRI has been fantastic. From the initial consult, booking service and scans, and then review with the Dr have been fantastic. Providing peace of mind and a plan for prevention, I highly recommend OneMRI.

Your spine and joints have been carrying you your whole life. Time to take a proper look.

Get a detailed structural picture of your musculoskeletal system as part of your full-body MRI. No referral needed.