High-resolution MRI (7 Tesla) of the cervical spine is capable to differentiate osseous spurs from discus-material and better depict the compressed nerve in the neuroforamen compared to 3T MRI.

Provide the surgeon with a detailed high-resolution anatomical image before surgery and potential no need for CT (if the bony anatomy is of crucial importance).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Informed consent as documented by signature (Appendix Informed Consent Form)
• >18 years old
• Patients with cervical back pain (radiculopathy) and scheduled surgery for foraminal stenosis or central stenosis or cervical periradicular injection therapy (PRT)

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous surgery
• tumor patients
• pregnancy or breast feeding
• any MRI contra-indications

Patients who have undergone a MRI of the spine for clinical indications will be enrolled through consecutive ongoing recruitment in daily clinical practice at Balgrist University Hospital Zurich.