Imaging · London
Private spine MRI in London, read by a musculoskeletal radiologist.
Lumbar, cervical or whole spine.
Indicative pricing
What a spine MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£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.
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.
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Not sure if you need one?
Sometimes physiotherapy or a specialist review is the better first step.
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Not sure who reads it?
Look for clinics where a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reports the study.
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.
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
A few things need checking first - spinal metalwork is common and almost always fine.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional.
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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. The scanning centre will need this from your hospital.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray.
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Claustrophobia
A spine scan keeps your head near the opening.
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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 it explained before your follow-up, ask your GP or specialist.
- 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
Frequently asked
Common questions 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?
Two regions or a whole-spine study cost more.
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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.
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Do I need a referral for a spine MRI?
Most clinics accept self-referral for a standard spine MRI.
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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. The clinic should 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. A wide-bore or open MRI, or a mild sedative, may also be options.
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Will my insurance cover a spine MRI?
Spine MRI is generally covered when clinically indicated and pre-authorised.
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Is a spine MRI safe?
There is no ionising radiation, which makes it very safe. The main thing checked is any metal implant, done before you arrive.