07946 426514

Private MRI spine scan in Bristol

Is a disc, nerve or joint causing your back pain? A private MRI gives you a definitive answer

Back pain and neck pain are among the most common reasons people seek medical investigation, yet many are left waiting months on NHS lists before getting the imaging they need. A private MRI spine scan at The Hanham Clinic in Bristol provides detailed images of your spinal discs, nerve roots, joints and surrounding soft tissues, helping to identify the precise cause of your pain quickly and without the delays of an NHS waiting list.

Our brand-new MRI scanner, installed in 2026, uses an open design that is significantly more comfortable than traditional closed tunnel scanners. All images are reviewed and reported by specialist musculoskeletal radiologists, and results are delivered promptly so you can move forward with your treatment without delay.

Call us on: 07946 426514
Email us: info@hanhamclinic.co.uk

Based at Hanham Hall, Whittucks Road, Bristol, BS15 3FR
Free parking on site.

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Hanham Hall Building- large white grade 2 listed building with lawn in front
From £299 for a single region scan (introductory rate)
Self-referrals accepted – no GP letter required.

this service is temporary unavailable until further notice

What does an MRI spine scan show?

MRI is the gold standard investigation for the vast majority of spinal conditions. Unlike X-ray, which only shows bone structure, MRI provides detailed images of spinal discs, nerve roots, the spinal cord, facet joints, muscles and ligaments – structures that are invisible on plain X-ray.

A spine MRI at The Hanham Clinic can identify:

  • Disc herniation and disc bulges – protrusion of disc material that may compress nearby nerve roots or, in severe cases, the spinal cord itself
  • Nerve root compression – pinching of spinal nerves causing pain, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
  • Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal, often producing heaviness and pain in the legs when walking
  • Facet joint arthropathy – degeneration and inflammation of the small joints that link adjacent vertebrae together
  • Degenerative disc disease – age-related or wear-related changes to disc height and internal structure
  • Spondylolisthesis – forward slippage of one vertebra over the one below
  • Spondylolysis – stress fracture of the vertebral arch, common in younger active patients
  • Compression fractures – particularly relevant in osteoporosis or following significant trauma
  • Inflammatory conditions – including sacroiliitis and early changes associated with ankylosing spondyliti
  • Spinal cord pathology – including early myelopathic changes and demyelinating conditions
MRI Scan machine in The Hanham Clinic Bristol

Which part of the spine can be scanned?

Our MRI service covers all three regions of the spine. If you are unsure which region needs imaging, our clinical team will advise during your pre-scan screening call.

Lumbar spine (lower back)

The most commonly requested spinal MRI region. Lumbar MRI is used to investigate lower back pain, sciatica, leg pain, numbness and weakness. This region covers the L1 to L5 vertebrae and the upper sacrum.

Cervical spine (neck)

Cervical MRI investigates neck pain, headaches originating from the neck, and arm pain, numbness or tingling caused by nerve root compression. Cervical problems are frequently misattributed to the shoulder, making accurate imaging particularly valuable. This region covers the C1 to C7 vertebrae.

Thoracic spine (mid-back)

Less commonly scanned in isolation, thoracic MRI is used to investigate mid-back pain, rib pain referred from the spine, or where pathology affecting the spinal cord is suspected.

Who should consider a private MRI spine scan in Bristol?

A private MRI spine scan is appropriate for patients who:

  • Have persistent back or neck pain lasting more than 4 to 6 weeks that has not responded to rest or conservative treatment
  • Are experiencing sciatica – leg pain, numbness or tingling radiating from the lower back – and want to understand the underlying cause
  • Have arm pain, tingling or numbness that may be originating from the neck rather than the shoulder
  • Experienced a significant spinal injury or trauma and want detailed imaging
  • Are being considered for spinal surgery and want imaging to confirm the nature and extent of the problem
  • Are on an NHS waiting list and need faster access to a diagnosis
  • Have been advised by a physiotherapist, chiropractor or GP that an MRI scan would be beneficial
  • Want clarity on the degree of degenerative change before choosing a treatment pathway
Our clinical team can also review your scan findings and advise on appropriate next steps, whether that is continued conservative treatment, targeted rehabilitation or onward referral.

Important – when to seek emergency care:
If you experience sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, severe weakness in both legs, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs (saddle anaesthesia), please attend your nearest emergency department immediately. These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition requiring urgent surgical assessment that cannot wait for a routine MRI appointment.

Common spine conditions we scan for

Disc herniation and disc bulges

Spinal discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. When the outer disc wall weakens or tears, disc material can protrude and press on nearby nerve roots or, in severe cases, the spinal cord itself. In the lumbar spine this typically causes sciatica or leg weakness; in the cervical spine it produces arm pain, tingling or weakness. MRI clearly shows the location, level and severity of any herniation, providing the information needed to guide treatment decisions from conservative management through to surgical referral.

Sciatica and nerve root compression

Sciatica describes pain, numbness or weakness that travels from the lower back through the buttock and into the leg, following the course of the sciatic nerve. The most common causes are disc herniation and bony narrowing at a lumbar vertebral level. MRI identifies the precise level and cause of nerve root compression, enabling clinicians to choose the most effective treatment approach and determine whether surgery needs to be considered. If you are experiencing sciatica, an MRI is the most direct route to a confident diagnosis.

Spinal stenosis

Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the spinal cord or the nerve roots running through it. It most commonly affects the lumbar spine and produces neurogenic claudication – pain, heaviness and weakness in the legs brought on by walking and relieved by sitting or bending forward. MRI is the definitive investigation for assessing the degree and distribution of stenosis and is essential for pre-surgical planning.

Cervical radiculopathy

Pain, tingling or numbness radiating from the neck into the arm is known as cervical radiculopathy. It is commonly caused by disc herniation or arthritic narrowing compressing a nerve root in the neck, and is frequently misattributed to a shoulder problem. MRI of the cervical spine identifies the level and cause of nerve root involvement, which is important for directing appropriate treatment and avoiding unnecessary shoulder investigation.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below, most commonly at the L4/L5 or L5/S1 levels. It can produce persistent lower back pain and, where the slippage is sufficient to narrow the spinal canal or affect nerve roots, leg pain and weakness. MRI confirms the diagnosis, grades the degree of slippage and assesses any impact on adjacent neural structures.

Degenerative disc disease and facet joint arthropathy

Age-related and wear-related changes to spinal discs and facet joints are extremely common and are a leading cause of chronic back pain and neck pain in adults. MRI provides a detailed picture of the extent and distribution of degeneration, helping clinicians understand whether symptoms are consistent with the imaging findings and guiding appropriate management decisions.

What to expect at your MRI spine scan appointment

Before your scan

No special preparation is required for a spinal MRI. You will be asked to complete a safety questionnaire checking for any contraindications, such as certain metal implants, pacemakers or cochlear implants. Please wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal fastenings near the area being scanned. If you have any previous spinal imaging – including X-ray or CT reports – it can be helpful to have these available for reference, as the radiologist may find them useful for comparison.

During your scan

You will lie on the scanner table and be positioned for imaging of the relevant spinal region. The open design of our MRI system is considerably more comfortable than a traditional closed tunnel scanner. The scan typically takes 20 to 40 minutes per region, and you will hear some noise during the process – this is completely normal. You can communicate with the clinical team throughout your scan.

After your scan:

our images will be reviewed and reported by a specialist musculoskeletal radiologist. You will receive a full written report, typically within a few working days. If you are under the care of The Hanham Clinic, your chiropractor can discuss the findings with you at your next appointment and advise on appropriate next steps, whether that is continued conservative treatment, targeted rehabilitation or onward referral if required.

Transparent Pricing

MRI Spine Scan Bristol Pricing

No hidden fees. No surprises. Just clear, competitive pricing for high-quality private MRI scanning in Bristol.

Single region (Spine only)

£299

Introductory rate

Two regions (e.g. Spine + Shoulder)

£549

Best value — save £49

Frequently Asked Questions – MRI spine Scan Bristol

Can an MRI confirm the cause of my sciatica?
In most cases, yes. Sciatica describes pain, numbness or weakness that radiates from the lower back into the buttock, leg or foot, following the course of the sciatic nerve. The most common causes are disc herniation and spinal stenosis at the lumbar vertebral levels, both of which MRI identifies clearly and in detail. MRI shows the precise level at which nerve root compression is occurring, the nature and extent of the compressing structure, and whether any associated inflammation or nerve involvement is present. This information is essential for guiding treatment decisions and, where surgery is being considered, for surgical planning. A normal lumbar MRI in the presence of sciatica symptoms may indicate an alternative cause such as piriformis syndrome or sacroiliac joint dysfunction, which helps redirect investigation appropriately.
What is the difference between a disc bulge and a disc herniation?
A disc bulge (also called a protrusion) occurs when the outer disc wall weakens and the disc expands outward without the inner material breaking through. A disc herniation (also called a prolapse or extrusion) is a more significant change in which the inner nucleus pulposus pushes through a tear in the outer disc wall. Both can compress nearby nerve roots and cause pain, but herniations tend to produce more acute and severe symptoms. MRI clearly distinguishes between the two and grades the severity, which is important for treatment planning. Neither finding automatically means surgery is required.
What does it mean if my MRI shows a disc bulge?
Disc bulges are extremely common findings on spinal MRI and are present in a significant proportion of adults with no symptoms at all. The clinical significance depends entirely on whether the bulge is compressing a nerve root or contributing to other structural problems, not simply on its presence. A disc bulge that is not compressing a nerve and does not correlate with your symptoms may require no intervention beyond appropriate exercise and rehabilitation. One that does correlate with your symptoms and is causing nerve compression is clinically significant and guides treatment decisions. Your radiologist’s report will describe the finding in context, and your clinician can explain what it means for your specific situation.
Is MRI better than CT for diagnosing spine problems?
For the vast majority of spinal conditions, MRI is the preferred and more informative investigation. MRI provides detailed images of the soft tissue structures that matter most in spinal diagnosis: discs, nerve roots, the spinal cord, ligaments and muscles. None of these are visible on CT. CT is better suited to detailed bone assessment, fracture characterisation and some post-surgical evaluations. In practice, MRI is the first-line investigation for disc herniation, nerve root compression, sciatica, spinal stenosis, inflammatory conditions and spinal cord pathology. CT may be used as a complementary investigation in specific circumstances, but for most patients presenting with back pain or leg symptoms, MRI is the appropriate starting point.
What if my MRI comes back normal but I still have pain?
A normal MRI is a meaningful and useful result, not a dead end. It rules out significant structural pathology such as disc herniation, nerve compression, stenosis and inflammatory conditions, which helps direct investigation and treatment toward other causes. Persistent pain with a structurally normal spine may indicate pain sensitisation, referred pain from the sacroiliac joint or hip, piriformis syndrome, or a functional pain pattern. Your clinician can use a normal MRI result alongside your clinical history and examination findings to determine appropriate next steps. It is also worth noting that MRI does not capture everything. Early inflammatory conditions, small stress reactions and some nerve injuries may not be visible, and a clinical discussion about whether further investigation is warranted remains important.
Can MRI help determine whether I need spinal surgery?
Yes, MRI is an essential part of the assessment for most spinal surgical conditions. Surgeons use MRI findings to confirm the presence and location of disc herniation, nerve root compression or stenosis, to grade the severity of the problem, and to plan the precise approach and level of any procedure. Without MRI, spinal surgery cannot be safely planned. A private MRI spine scan can therefore significantly accelerate the surgical referral process, as it provides the imaging most surgeons require before offering a consultation for intervention. If your MRI shows findings that may warrant surgical opinion, your clinician can advise on appropriate onward referral.
Can I have a spine MRI if I have had previous spinal surgery or metal implants?
This depends on the type and material of the implant. Many modern spinal implants, including titanium cages, pedicle screws and rods used in spinal fusion surgery, are MRI-compatible and do not prevent scanning, though they may cause some image artefact in the immediate area of the implant. Older implants or those made from certain materials may require manufacturer verification before scanning can proceed. Please inform our team of any previous spinal surgery or implants at the time of booking so we can confirm compatibility during your pre-scan screening call. We will not proceed with your scan until safety has been confirmed.
Do I need a GP referral for a private MRI spine scan?
No. We accept self-referrals, meaning you can book directly without seeing your GP first. If you have a referral letter from a GP, physiotherapist, chiropractor or other clinician, please bring it with you as it provides useful clinical context for the reporting radiologist.
Can I get both my lumbar and cervical spine scanned at the same appointment?
Yes. If you need imaging of two spinal regions, for example the lumbar and cervical spine, this can be arranged for £549 under our introductory two-region pricing. This is particularly useful where symptoms suggest problems at more than one level, or where back pain and neck pain are both present.
How long does a spine MRI take?
A spinal MRI typically takes 20 to 40 minutes per region. If you are having two regions scanned in the same session, please allow additional time. You can leave immediately after the scan and resume normal activities.
Is free parking available?
Yes. Free on-site parking is available at Hanham Hall, with ground floor access and disabled parking spaces.

Our Coverage Area

Areas We Serve Across Bristol

While our clinic is located in Hanham, we regularly treat patients from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire as part of our wider chiropractor Bristol service. Find your nearest location page below.

Chiropractor Clifton

Chiropractor Kingswood

Chiropractor Downend
Chiropractor Fishponds

Chiropractor Keynsham

Chiropractor Longwell Green
Chiropractor Emersons Green

Chiropractor Lyde Green

Find us

Visit us at Hanham Hall, Bristol

The Hanham Clinic

Units 1A & 1B, Hanham Hall
Whittucks Road, Hanham
Bristol, BS15 3FR
07946 426514
info@hanhamclinic.co.uk
Monday:
8:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday – Friday:
8:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday:
8:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday:
Closed
From Hanham High Street, turn onto Whittucks Road at the Blue Bowl pub and continue for approximately 300 yards, passing Hanham GP Surgery on your left. Free parking is available on Roman Way and Rogers Court, both on your left. Hanham Hall is the large white Grade II listed building set back from the main road. Access to the clinic is via the double doors on the far side of the building, overlooking the lawn.