AIM: To assess the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging as the primary modality in the diagnosis of lesions associated with compressive myelopathy .METHODOLOGY: Patients presenting with symptoms and signs suggestive of compressive myelopathy were included in the study. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging is highly sensitive and specific in evaluating lesions like Pott’s spine, traumatic spine lesions, cord contusion, cord edema, spinal tumors and  metastatic lesions. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging is the definitive modality in assessing soft tissues of the spine and spinal cord abnormalities, to evaluate cord edema/contusion and integrity of the intervertebral discs and ligaments, to detect and characterize the spinal tumors and spinal infections. Thus MRI is very definitive, sensitive, accurate, though costly but very specific, non invasive, radiation free modality for evaluation of Compressive myelopathy.