Lumbar Spine MRI

High-field MRI of the lumbar spine (L1-S1) capturing disc morphology, spinal canal dimensions, facet joints, and paraspinal soft tissues in multi-planar detail. The 3T Siemens platform resolves nerve root anatomy within the lateral recesses and foramina, enabling precise localisation of the structural cause behind lower back and leg pain.

Lower back pain is the single most common reason for outpatient MRI referral, and image quality directly affects diagnostic confidence and downstream treatment decisions. HELIMED's 3-Tesla system delivers approximately twice the signal-to-noise ratio of a 1.5T scanner in the lumbar region, which translates into sharper delineation of the thecal sac, cauda equina nerve roots, and the annular-nuclear boundary within each intervertebral disc. The standard lumbar protocol includes sagittal T1, sagittal and axial T2, and STIR sequences. Axial images are acquired through every disc level from L1-L2 through L5-S1, angled parallel to the disc plane. This geometry maximises sensitivity for lateral and foraminal herniations that axial slices taken in a single straight stack can miss. The radiologist evaluates Pfirrmann disc degeneration grade, Modic endplate changes, central canal area, lateral recess depth, and foraminal patency — all of which inform whether conservative management, injection therapy, or surgical referral is appropriate. Contrast-enhanced sequences can be added for post-operative spines (distinguishing scar tissue from recurrent herniation) or when infection or tumour is a concern. Scan duration is typically 25 to 35 minutes. Sedation is available for patients who cannot tolerate the enclosed bore.