MRI Thoracic spine – Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination for pain, stiffness or suspected inflammation in the thoracic spine
The thoracic spine is the middle part of the spine and extends between the neck and lumbar spine. It is connected to the chest through the ribs and has a more stable structure than other parts of the spine. Despite this, the thoracic spine can suffer from pain, stiffness, overload, inflammation or other conditions that affect quality of life and mobility.
With a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the thoracic spine, you get a very detailed image of the vertebrae, discs, spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding soft tissues. MRI is a radiation-free and painless method that is particularly suitable for long-term or unexplained pain between the shoulder blades, difficulty taking deep breaths, suspected inflammation, or if other investigations have not provided clear answers.
When is an MRI of the thoracic spine recommended?
MRI of the thoracic spine is recommended for persistent or recurring pain in the thoracic spine, especially if it does not improve with rest or treatment. It is also important if there is suspicion of vertebral compression, inflammation, disc herniation, or impact on the spinal cord. Since the thoracic spine is rarely subject to hypermobility, symptoms here may be signs of an underlying disease that requires careful investigation.
- Long-term pain between the shoulder blades or in the middle of the back
- Stiffness or reduced mobility in the thoracic spine
- Pain when breathing deeply or when moving the chest and back
- Radiating pain from the back to the chest or abdomen
- Suspected disc herniation, spondylitis or vertebral compression
- Fever, unexplained weight loss or lab abnormalities in combination with back pain
- Investigation of inflammatory back disease or known cancer
MRI is particularly valuable when X-rays or CT scans have failed to explain the symptoms, or when changes in the spinal cord, discs and soft tissues need to be mapped for further treatment or surgery.
MRI is often used if the following conditions are suspected in the thoracic spine
- Disc bulge or herniated disc – although uncommon in the thoracic spine, it can cause local pain or affect the spinal cord
- Inflammation – e.g. in spondylitis or ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease)
- Vertebral compression – common in the elderly or in osteoporosis
- Tumors or metastases – especially in known cancer
- Infections – such as spondylitis or discitis
- Structural malformations or deformities in the spine
- Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause neurological symptoms
Book an MRI of the thoracic spine – get a referral immediately
An MRI of the thoracic spine helps to explain the cause of your back problems and provides the basis for the correct treatment. The examination is completely painless, takes approximately 20–30 minutes and is performed without radiation. We issue a referral in connection with your order, and you will receive a report from a specialist within a few days after the examination is completed.