I have neck pain. my doctor felt a knot there and prescribed muscle relax or. however she wants to do an mri. do you think that's necessary

Let me explain: We have to have x-ray before doing mri, the x-ray some times show us what we want, if the x-ray indicate some changes then we could proceed with mri.

Yes and No: If the pain is acute and has not lasted for more than 3 months or there is no weakness or neurologic findings, then a MRI is not warranted at this time. I would recommend conservative treatment and physical therapy prior to an mri.

For most, no: For isolated neck pain with some clinical findings of some possible muscle spasm no ---especially if no history of injury, prolonged or progressive pain or unresponsiveness to treatment or associated neurologic symptoms or findings. Most neck pain symptoms resolve over time and there is no benefit to obtaining a MRI unless meeting criteria above or suspicion of tumor or infection as well.