The test may be requested by a doctor if a patient is experiencing symptoms such as neck or back pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling, or if a previous imaging test such as an X-ray or CT scan has shown abnormalities in the cervical or dorsal spine. It can help diagnose or evaluate a variety of conditions that affect the cervical and dorsal spine, such as herniated discs, spinal cord injury, spinal stenosis, tumors, or infections.