Slipped (herniated) discs
A bulging or prolapsed disc pressing on a nerve, the most common cause of sciatica and arm pain.
Consultant radiologist reportReport and images in 3–5 working days
Private MRI · No GP referral needed
Private Back & Spine MRI Scan
4.2/5Find the cause of back pain, sciatica or neck pain. A private MRI of your lower back, neck or upper back at one of 60 UK imaging centres, reported by a consultant radiologist, with your report and images emailed within 3 to 5 working days. £395 for one area, £595 for two. No GP referral needed, and appointments are typically within 7 days.
- Appointments within 7 days
- 60 UK imaging centres
- Consultant radiologist report
Price
from £395
One area · two areas £595
Choose the area, then your nearest centre and date
- No GP referral needed
- Report in 3–5 working days
- Appointments within 7 days
Prefer to talk it through? Call 01225 444 144 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
- Consultant radiologistreports every scan
- No GP referralwe arrange it for you
- 20–45 minutesin the scanner
- Clinician callif anything needs attention
What a spine MRI can show
MRI is the best scan for the discs, nerves and spinal cord, the soft tissues most often behind back pain that spreads into the legs or arms.
Trapped nerves and sciatica
Where and how badly a nerve root is compressed, to guide physiotherapy, injections or surgery.
Spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause leg pain, heaviness or numbness when walking.
Disc and facet joint wear
Degenerative disc disease and arthritis in the small joints of the spine.
Spondylolisthesis
A vertebra that has slipped forward over the one below.
Fractures and bone changes
Stress and compression fractures, and abnormal areas in the vertebrae that need further assessment.
When is a back MRI worth it?
- Pain shooting down one leg (sciatica) or down an arm from the neck
- Pins and needles, numbness or weakness in a leg or arm
- Back or neck pain that hasn’t improved after 6 weeks of rest, exercise or physiotherapy
- You’re considering injections or surgery and need imaging first
- You’ve been told to wait months for a non-urgent NHS scan
Don’t wait for a private scan if you have back pain with numbness around your bottom or genitals, loss of bladder or bowel control, or weakness in both legs. These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome: go to A&E or call 999 straight away.
What’s included for £395
- MRI scan of your back at one of 60 UK imaging centres
- Clinical referral arranged by Goodbody, so you don’t need your GP
- Written report from a consultant radiologist
- Your report and images emailed within 3–5 working days
- A call from a Goodbody clinician if anything needs attention
- Add a second body part in the same appointment: £595 in total
How booking your back MRI works
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Book online in 2 minutes
Choose your back, pick an imaging centre near you and your preferred date. Appointments are typically within 7 days, and no GP letter is needed.
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Have your scan
Lie still on the scanner table for 20–45 minutes while images are taken. It’s noisy but painless, with no injection and no radiation.
- 3
Get your report
A consultant radiologist reports your scan. Your report and images are emailed within 3–5 working days, and a clinician calls if anything needs attention.
Back & Spine MRI Scan questions answered
How much does a private back MRI cost?
A private MRI of one spinal area (lower back, neck or upper back) costs £395 at Goodbody, or £595 for two areas scanned in the same appointment. The price includes the clinical referral, the scan, a consultant radiologist’s report and your images, with a clinician call if anything needs attention. Clearpay is available.
Do I need a GP referral for a private back MRI?
No. Book directly with Goodbody and we arrange the clinical referral the imaging centre needs, so there is nothing to ask your GP for. During booking you tell us briefly why you need the scan, so the radiologist knows what to look for.
Which spine scan do I need: lumbar, cervical or thoracic?
Choose lumbar (lower back) for low back pain and sciatica or pain running down a leg. Choose cervical (neck) for neck pain, or pain, tingling or weakness running down an arm. Choose thoracic for pain between the shoulder blades. If your symptoms span two areas, book both for £595. Not sure? Call us on 01225 444 144 and a clinician will advise.
How long does a back MRI take?
Most spine MRI scans take 20 to 45 minutes in the scanner, with the lower back and neck towards the longer end. Two areas in one appointment take under 60 minutes. Allow extra time to arrive and complete the safety checklist.
Does your whole body go in for a lower back MRI?
For a lower back MRI most of your body is inside the scanner, with your head near the opening. The scanner is open at both ends and you can talk to the radiographer throughout. Tell us when you book if enclosed spaces worry you, so the centre can prepare you and, where possible, position you to make it easier.
Does a lumbar spine MRI show the hips or pelvis?
A lumbar spine MRI covers the lower spine down to the sacrum. It doesn’t properly assess the hip joints or the pelvic organs. If your pain might be coming from your hip, add a hip scan as a second body part (£595 in total).
Can a lumbar spine MRI show cancer?
A spine MRI shows the vertebrae, discs, nerves and surrounding soft tissue in the area scanned, and the radiologist reports anything abnormal they see, including areas that need further tests. It isn’t a cancer screening test and only covers the region scanned. If you are worried about cancer, speak to your GP.
When should I get an MRI for back pain?
Most back pain improves within about 6 weeks with gentle activity, and a scan early on rarely changes treatment. An MRI is worth considering if pain spreads into a leg or arm with numbness or weakness, hasn’t improved after 6 weeks, or you’re being considered for injections or surgery. Seek urgent care for the warning signs listed on this page.
How long do back MRI results take?
A consultant radiologist reports your scan, and the written report and your images are emailed to you within 3 to 5 working days. If the report shows anything that needs attention, a Goodbody clinician calls you to explain it and how to take it to your GP, a physiotherapist or a specialist.
Will the NHS accept my private back MRI?
Usually, yes. A private MRI reported by a consultant radiologist is a valid clinical document, and GPs and NHS specialists will normally act on it rather than repeat it, as long as they can see the report and images. Occasionally a specialist will want a repeat scan to a specific protocol; that is their decision.
Where can I get a private back MRI near me?
At one of 60 imaging centres across the UK. Enter your postcode when you book and the centres are sorted closest first, then choose your preferred date; appointments are typically within 7 days. See all our locations.
Other MRI scans
Book online in under 2 minutes
Book your MRI scan in 3 simple steps
No GP referral needed. Appointments typically within 7 days.
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Step 1 Choose body part Tap the body diagram or search by name
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Step 2 Select your clinic 60+ locations UK-wide near you
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Step 3 Add patient details Pick your preferred date & confirm
Secure booking · No payment until confirmed
- 7 daysTypical appointment
- 3 daysDetailed results
- 60+UK clinics
- No GPreferral required
Patient Story
Hear Michael's Story...
A short story from a patient who recently had their scan with us — what made them book, and how the day actually went.
Not sure if it's right for you? Our team is happy to talk it through, no pressure.