Lumbosacral spine MRI

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor. It may occur after physical exertion, prolonged sitting, or even without an obvious cause. If the pain radiates to the leg and is accompanied by numbness or a sensation of a “shooting pain,” this may indicate involvement of the nerve structures.

In such situations, it is important not only to reduce the symptoms, but also to determine their source and, if necessary, carry out appropriate treatment. This is exactly why MRI of the lumbosacral spine is used, as it allows assessment of the condition of the intervertebral discs, nerve roots, and surrounding tissues.

At the «Oxford Medical» medical center, the examination is performed on a GE SIGNA Champion tomograph. Thanks to the AI Recon DL artificial intelligence technology, the images become clearer, which makes it possible to more accurately identify even small changes that may be the cause of the pain.

You can get an MRI of the lumbosacral spine at a time convenient for you — book by phone or through the feedback form.

During the examination, it is possible to determine:

• protrusions and intervertebral hernias and the degree of their impact on the nerve roots;
• narrowing of the spinal canal and its severity;
• compression of nerve structures, which may cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs;
• degenerative changes in the discs and vertebrae;
• inflammatory processes;
• neoplasms;
• consequences of injuries or previous surgeries.

The examination helps not only to identify changes, but also to understand whether they are the cause of the symptoms, which is important for choosing further treatment.

MRI of the lumbosacral spine is a safe diagnostic method, but it has limitations due to the use of a magnetic field.

The examination is not performed if a pacemaker, an implanted defibrillator, or other electronic devices incompatible with MRI are installed. Metal implants or foreign metal fragments in the body may also be a contraindication if their compatibility with the magnetic field has not been confirmed.

Relative contraindications include the first trimester of pregnancy, severe claustrophobia, or a condition in which it is difficult to remain still during the examination. In such cases, the decision to perform MRI is made individually.

If an examination with contrast enhancement is planned, the condition of the kidneys and possible allergic reactions are additionally taken into account. Contrast is not used in case of kidney failure and in the presence of an allergy to contrast agents.

Special preparation for MRI of the lumbosacral spine is usually not required. Before the examination, it is important to inform the specialist about the presence of implants, metal structures, or previous surgeries, since this may affect the possibility and safety of performing the procedure.

It is recommended to come to the examination in comfortable clothing without metal elements. Before the examination begins, it is necessary to remove jewelry, watches, and other metal accessories.

If MRI is performed without contrast enhancement, there are no dietary restrictions. In the case of using a contrast agent, it is recommended not to eat for 4–6 hours before the procedure. If necessary, before the examination, a blood test for creatinine may be prescribed to assess kidney function.

During the examination, the patient lies on a special tomograph table, which smoothly moves inside the machine. It is important to remain still throughout the entire examination, as this affects the clarity of the images.

The scanning is performed step by step: the machine forms a series of images that allow a detailed assessment of the condition of the lumbosacral spine and the surrounding structures. During the examination, characteristic sounds of the tomograph operation may occur — this is a normal part of the procedure.

If it is necessary to clarify the nature of the changes, a contrast agent is used. First, standard scanning is performed, after which contrast is injected intravenously and the examination is continued. This helps to more accurately assess the structure of the changes and their extent.

The duration of the procedure usually is 15–30 minutes, and when contrast is used it may increase to 30–40 minutes. After the examination is completed, the images are analyzed by a radiologist, who prepares a written report. To establish an accurate diagnosis, a consultation with the doctor who prescribed the examination is necessary. A neurologist, a spinal surgeon, or another specialized specialist evaluates the MRI results together with the symptoms, establishes the diagnosis, and prescribes treatment.

The cost of MRI of the lumbosacral spine depends on the need to use a contrast agent. An examination with contrast enhancement is more extensive, since it allows a more detailed assessment of the tissue structure and the nature of the changes, therefore its price may be higher.

The price may also differ depending on whether an examination of one part of the spine or several areas is performed. In some cases, for a more complete assessment of the condition, the doctor may recommend an extended MRI of the spine — the lumbosacral region together with adjacent areas.

You can ознакомиться with the current prices for medical services here.

You can book an examination by phone or by ordering a callback at a time convenient for you.