Cervical Spine MRI: A Clinical Foundation for Practitioners

Course overview

Describe how T1, T2, and STIR MRI sequences and sagittal versus axial planes reveal cervical spine anatomy and pathology. Identify MRI safety contraindications and differentiate disc pathology types including findings requiring urgent neurosurgical referral. Recognize vertebral body signal changes, Modic type patterns, and six critical red flag findings requiring immediate clinical action. Apply MRI findings to clinical documentation and treatment decisions using case-based correlation of imaging with patient presentation.