Concierge imaging · London
Private spine MRI in London, read by a musculoskeletal radiologist.
Lumbar, cervical or whole spine. We match you to a vetted London clinic, handle the booking, and stay with you through the consultant report - from back pain and sciatica to a slipped disc or post-op review.
Why patients choose us
- 01
One point of contact
The same clinician runs everything, from your first message to the final spine report.
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No clinic kickbacks
We are never paid to send you anywhere, so the recommendation is yours alone - and free.
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A curated London list
A short panel of imaging centres, re-assessed twice a year on scanners and reporting.
Indicative pricing
What a spine MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A single spine region in our network: £275-£500, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single region (lumbar, cervical or thoracic) | £275–£500 | 20–35 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Two regions of the spine | £450–£800 | 35–55 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Whole spine (cervical + thoracic + lumbar) | £600–£950 | 45–75 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Sciatica / nerve-root protocol | £300–£550 | 25–40 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Spine MRI with contrast (post-op / infection) | £450–£800 | 40–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Scoliosis / full-length alignment | Quoted case by case | Varies | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), how many regions are scanned, and whether contrast is used. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Scanning the wrong level answers the wrong question.
Back pain, sciatica and neck symptoms each point to a different part of the spine. The right region, the right protocol and a musculoskeletal radiologist reading it are what turn a scan into an answer. We handle all three.
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Not sure if you need one?
We will say honestly - sometimes physiotherapy or a specialist review is the better first step.
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Not sure which region?
Lumbar, cervical or whole spine - your symptoms decide, and we match the right area.
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Not sure who reads it?
We route to clinics where a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reports the study.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
A single concierge from enquiry to report - typically under a week, start to finish.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~30-45 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which region and protocol, which clinic, indicative price. If a scan is not the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Often same or next day, including evenings and Saturdays. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.
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On the day
Arrival and safety check
Change into a gown, remove anything metallic. We have pre-completed the safety questionnaire.
- 05
On the day
In the scanner
20-40 minutes for most spine scans. Loud, but with headphones, music and a two-way intercom throughout.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time. Drive, eat and work as normal.
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After
Report and next steps
Consultant musculoskeletal radiologist report in 24-72 hours. We route it to your GP or specialist.
Typical end-to-end: 3-7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
Back, neck and leg symptoms each point somewhere different. These are the questions a spine MRI settles most often.
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Low back pain that won’t settle
When back pain is persistent, severe or unexplained, an MRI shows the discs, joints and nerves in detail.
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Sciatica & leg pain
Traces pain, numbness or weakness down the leg to a trapped or compressed nerve root.
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Slipped or herniated disc
The clearest test for a bulging or prolapsed disc pressing on the spinal cord or nerves.
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Neck pain & arm symptoms
Cervical spine imaging for neck pain, pins and needles, or weakness in the arms and hands.
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Spinal stenosis & compression
Shows narrowing of the spinal canal that causes pain or heaviness on standing and walking.
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Post-surgery review
Assesses the result of previous spinal surgery and looks for recurrence or scar tissue.
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Suspected tumour or infection
Detects and characterises masses and infection, with contrast used to define the extent.
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Fracture & trauma follow-up
Shows vertebral fractures, ligament injury and bone-marrow change not seen on X-ray.
Spine MRI types
Not all spine scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Lumbar spine MRI
The most common request - for low back pain and sciatica. Images the lower spine and nerve roots.
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Cervical spine MRI
The neck. Used for neck pain, arm symptoms and suspected cord compression.
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Thoracic spine MRI
The mid-back. Less common alone, often added when symptoms cross regions.
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Whole spine MRI
All three regions in one visit - for widespread symptoms, MS work-up or screening.
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Sciatica / nerve-root
A focused protocol on the level causing leg pain, to guide injection or surgery.
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Spine MRI with contrast
A gadolinium injection for post-operative spines, infection or suspected tumour.
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Post-operative spine
Tailored sequences that separate normal scar tissue from recurrent disc or nerve compression.
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Upright / weight-bearing
Imaging while sitting or standing, to show problems that only appear under load.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly - introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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CQC-registered and rated good or outstanding
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Spine studies read by a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist
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Modern 3T or wide-bore 1.5T scanners across the panel
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A 72-hour report turnaround, held to as standard
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
A few things need checking first - spinal metalwork is common and almost always fine. We confirm it before you arrive.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional. We check the model before booking.
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Spinal implants, rods and cages
Almost always MRI-safe. They may cause local artefact but rarely a safety concern.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter. We need this from your hospital.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray. We arrange this where required.
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Claustrophobia
A spine scan keeps your head near the opening. Wide-bore and open MRI are options, and we can arrange mild sedation.
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Dental work, tattoos, coils
Almost always fine. Iron-based tattoo ink may warm slightly - tell the radiographer.
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Pregnancy
No ionising radiation. Generally safe, particularly after the first trimester. Contrast avoided unless essential.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed if gadolinium contrast is planned.
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Weight and size
Most scanners accommodate up to 200 kg. Wide-bore options for larger patients.
Reading your report
A spine report can look intimidating. It isn't.
Whatever the region, a spine report keeps to the same four sections.
A quiet reminder
The wording is aimed at your doctor, not at you - and that is fine.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the region that was scanned, and the clinical question behind the referral.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used (T1, T2, STIR). Each highlights disc, bone and nerve differently.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A level-by-level description of the spine, discs and nerve roots, including any incidental findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion in brief - start here. Your specialist works through it with you.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover varies by policy and clinic; we check with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about spine MRI.
Quick answers on cost, which region, referrals, contrast and results.
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What can a spine MRI show?
Slipped and degenerate discs, trapped nerves and sciatica, spinal stenosis, arthritis of the spinal joints, fractures, infection and tumours - and the result of previous surgery.
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How much does a private spine MRI cost in London?
A single region (for example the lumbar spine) is typically £275-£500 in our network. Two regions or a whole-spine study cost more. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Which part of the spine should be scanned?
It depends on your symptoms - low back and leg pain usually means the lumbar spine, neck and arm symptoms the cervical spine. Tell us what you feel and we match the right region.
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Do I need a referral for a spine MRI?
Most clinics accept self-referral for a standard spine MRI. We can arrange a fast-track private GP if a letter or a contrast study is needed.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
Not for most routine spine scans. Contrast is added mainly after spinal surgery, or when infection or a tumour is suspected. We explain in advance if it is likely.
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How long does a spine MRI take?
A single region takes about 20-35 minutes. A whole-spine study takes longer. You lie still on your back throughout.
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Can I have a spine MRI if I am claustrophobic?
Yes. For the spine your head stays near the opening of the scanner. We can also route you to a wide-bore or open MRI, or arrange a mild sedative.
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How quickly will I get the results?
Your consultant musculoskeletal radiologist report is usually back within 24-72 hours, and with your consent we forward it and the images to your GP or specialist.
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Will my insurance cover a spine MRI?
Spine MRI is generally covered when clinically indicated and pre-authorised. Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna and Healix all recognise us, and we handle the pre-authorisation.
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Is a spine MRI safe?
There is no ionising radiation, which makes it very safe. The main thing we verify is any metal implant, done before you arrive.