What is a lumbar spine MRI?
A lumber spine MRI uses radio waves and magnetic fields to capture images of the lumber section of your spine. A lumbar spine MRI can show lumber disk herniation, spinal alignment, inflammation of the bones, and more.
The lumbosacral spine includes five lumber vertebral bones (L1 to L5), the sacrum (the bottom of your spine), and the coccyx (tailbone). The lumbosacral spine also includes large blood vessels, nerves, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
What can be diagnosed through a lumbar spine MRI?
Healthcare providers usually diagnose conditions related to the spine. A lumbar spine MRI can help:
- Analyse spinal alignment
- Detect abnormalities with the spinal cord or vertebrae
- Detect lumbar disk herniation
- Check for inflammation of the nerves and spinal cord
- Look for tumours around the spinal cord
- Monitor damage to the spine after a spinal injury
- Monitor the spine after an operation
- Determine causes of back pain’
When do doctors recommend a lumbar spine MRI?
Your doctor may recommend a lumbar spine MRI if you experience the following symptoms:
- Sudden back pain along with fever
- Birth defects affecting the spine
- Injury or trauma on the spine
- Severe back or lower pain
- Multiple sclerosis
- Signs or symptoms of brain or spinal cancer
- Issues related to bladder
- Weakness or numbness in the legs
Your doctor may also order a lumbar spine MRI before undergoing back surgery. The doctors use the test results to plan the operation.
How to interpret the scan result?
A lumber spine MRI scan result can help determine the reason behind back or leg pain. The scan results can show:
- Inflammation or infection
- A benign or malignant tumor
- A congenital or developmental variant
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Degenerative changes
- Central vertebral canal stenosis
- Abscess
An MRI does not directly indicate the specific issue, further evaluation is required for diagnosis. Consult with your doctor to understand your scan results.
Fortunately, you can easily book a lumbar spine MRI in Thanjavur because there are multiple lumbar spine MRI centres in Thanjavur. So you don’t need to worry about its availability. The Lumbar spine MRI cost in Thanjavur may vary depending on the type of scan you opt for. Generally, lumbar spine MRI prices in Thanjavur start from rupees 3500 only.
Frequently asked questions about MRI LS SPINE Scan
What is a Lumbar spine MRI?
An MRI of the lumbar spine uses radio waves and magnetic fields to capture images of the lumbar spine area. This MRI helps determine lumbar disk herniation, tumour, cancer, spinal alignment and infection or inflammation.
When do doctors suggest this scan?
Your doctor may suggest this scan if you experience severe back pain with or without fever.
Why do doctors recommend this scan?
Healthcare providers recommend this scan to detect conditions affecting the lower back, spinal cord, vertebrae, disk and nerves.
How long does a Lumbar spine MRI take?
The process usually takes about 15-90 minutes. The exact timing depends on which area is being scanned.