Lumbar Spine MRI

Native 3.0T MRI of the lumbosacral spine covering L1-S1 discs, nerve roots, cauda equina, and facet joints. The most common spinal examination for lower back pain and sciatica.

The lumbosacral spine MRI at MyDiagnostic provides detailed imaging of the lumbar vertebrae, intervertebral discs from L1 through S1, the spinal canal, neural foramina, and facet joints. At 3.0 Tesla the Philips Ingenia Elition produces high-contrast images that clearly separate disc herniations from adjacent neural structures, which is important for surgical decision-making. The protocol includes sagittal T1, T2, and STIR sequences plus axial T2-weighted images at each disc level. The STIR sequence is sensitive to bone marrow oedema, which can indicate acute vertebral fractures, infection, or inflammatory spondyloarthropathy. The radiologist documents disc morphology at every level, grades central and foraminal stenosis, and notes facet joint hypertrophy and ligamentum flavum thickening. Priced at EUR 330 as a single spinal region, this is the most frequently requested examination for lower back pain, radiculopathy, and suspected disc herniation. For patients with symptoms spanning the entire spine, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments can each be booked as separate regions.