Lumbar Spine MRI

The lumbar spine MRI at MRI Centrum images the five lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5), the sacrum, and the intervening discs, ligaments, and neural structures. This is one of the most commonly requested MRI examinations, as lower back pain affects a large proportion of adults and imaging is often needed to distinguish between mechanical causes, disc pathology, and more serious conditions such as infection or malignancy.

The scan protocol typically includes sagittal and axial T1-weighted and T2-weighted sequences, which together provide a comprehensive view of disc hydration (a marker of degeneration), disc bulging or herniation, foraminal narrowing that may compress exiting nerve roots, and facet joint arthropathy. STIR sequences may be added to detect bone marrow oedema, which can indicate acute fractures, infection, or inflammatory spondyloarthropathy.

For patients experiencing radiating leg pain (sciatica), the MRI can precisely identify which nerve root is being compressed and whether the compression is caused by a disc herniation, osteophyte, or synovial cyst. This information guides treatment decisions from conservative physiotherapy through to targeted injection or surgical planning. The scan takes approximately 20-30 minutes and requires the patient to lie still on their back.