MRI Lumbosacral Spine

A magnetic resonance scan of the lumbosacral (lower-back) spine, one of the most commonly requested spinal studies, giving detailed views of the lumbar vertebrae, discs, spinal canal and nerve roots without ionising radiation. It is used to investigate lower-back pain, sciatica, leg pain or tingling, and suspected disc herniation or canal narrowing. The standard self-pay price covers the scan without contrast, and a radiologist decides whether contrast is needed; the appointment includes the scan and a written radiology report.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine examines the lower-back vertebrae, the intervertebral discs, the lower spinal canal and the nerve roots that travel down towards the legs, producing detailed soft-tissue images without ionising radiation. It is one of the most frequently requested MRI studies because it is so useful for investigating lower-back pain, sciatica, pain or tingling radiating into the buttock or leg, leg weakness, and suspected disc herniation or narrowing of the spinal canal, as well as for assessing inflammatory changes and monitoring the area after surgery. At Centrum Medyczne Zabobrze the scan is performed on a 2025 GE Signa Victor 1.5 Tesla system, whose AI-assisted imaging and wider, quieter bore are intended to keep the examination as comfortable as possible. A lumbar study usually takes around fifteen to sixty minutes; you lie on your back on the table with a coil over the lower spine and hearing protection on while the images are acquired. The published price covers the scan without contrast, and a radiologist decides whether an intravenous contrast agent — for example to assess inflammatory changes or post-surgical scarring — would add value, in which case it is charged separately and a recent creatinine result is requested. Standard MRI preparation applies: roughly four hours without food, metal-free clothing, and removal of jewellery, watches and other metal items, plus identification and any previous imaging. The radiologist provides a written report, with a faster CITO turnaround available. Certain implants or metal fragments can make MRI unsuitable, so implants should be declared at booking.