Frequency of MRI Findings in Patients with Neck Pain

Background and objective: Neck pain is one of the most important factors for degenerative changes in cervical spine. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is best imaging modality for evaluation of changes in cervical spine due to neck pain. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of MRI findings in patients with neck pain. Material and methods: A convenient sample of 78 patients with neck pain was used in this descriptive cross-sectional investigation referred to radiology department of Gondal medical complex Gujranwala for evaluation of MRI findings of cervical spine in patients with neck pain during a time period of 4 months from January 24, 2022 to May 24, 2022. MRI was done using 1.5T scanner. Results: The patients belonged to the age group were between 13 to 80 years old, with a mean age ± SD of 44.83 ± 14.22 years. This study showed that female (53.8%) ratio was higher than male (46.2%). Total of 78 patients was suffering from neck pain only 10 were observed with radiating shoulder pain. There were no degenerative findings found in 16 patients. The most common radiological findings were disc osteophyte which account for 46 (59.0%) more prevalent at C5/C6 level. Conclusion: In this study, neck pain is commonly caused by degenerative changes in cervical spine and it is more common at C5/C6 level. MRI is best modality and it's a non-invasive approach for detecting degenerative diseases early and initiating treatment.