It is an imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create detailed images of the soft tissues of the neck and spine, including muscles, ligaments, discs, and cerebrospinal fluid. A contrast agent is injected intravenously for better visualization of blood vessels and tumours. Your doctor may advise this test to detect conditions like spinal cord injury, trauma, cancer, spinal birth defects, abnormal curvature of the spine, bulging discs, and aneurysms.