Lumbar Spine MRI

MRI of the lumbosacral spine (L1-S1) without contrast. Evaluates disc herniations, spinal stenosis, nerve root compression, and facet joint disease. The most common spinal MRI for lower back pain and sciatica.

The lumbar spine MRI is the most frequently performed spinal examination at Affidea Gdańsk, covering L1 through S1. Sagittal T1, T2, and STIR sequences reveal disc morphology, vertebral body alignment, and bone marrow signal across the entire lumbosacral region. Axial T2 images at each disc level assess the spinal canal, lateral recesses, and neural foramina. The radiologist documents disc pathology at every level using standardised nomenclature — bulge, protrusion, extrusion, or sequestration — and grades any spinal canal or foraminal stenosis. Facet joint arthropathy, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, and Modic endplate changes are recorded. For patients with bilateral lower limb symptoms, the cauda equina is specifically evaluated. This scan is indicated for persistent lower back pain, sciatica, suspected disc herniation, neurogenic claudication from spinal stenosis, and pre-operative planning for lumbar decompression or fusion surgery.