Lumbar Spine MRI

MRI of the lumbosacral spine (L1-S1) covering disc herniations, spinal stenosis, nerve root compression, and degenerative changes. The most commonly requested spinal examination.

The lumbar spine MRI is one of the most frequently performed examinations at Radiologie Dr. Jung, addressing the spinal segment responsible for the majority of back pain and sciatica presentations. The scan covers the five lumbar vertebrae, lumbosacral junction, intervertebral discs, cauda equina, and neural foramina from L1 through S1. The protocol includes sagittal T1, T2, and STIR sequences plus axial T2-weighted images at each major disc level. This combination reveals disc herniations and extrusions, central and lateral recess stenosis, facet joint hypertrophy, ligamentum flavum thickening, spondylolisthesis, and Modic endplate changes. The STIR sequence detects acute bone marrow oedema from fractures, infection, or inflammatory spondyloarthropathy. Dr. Jung discusses preliminary findings in a personal consultation immediately after the scan. Digital images become available online the same day, allowing patients to share results with their orthopaedic surgeon, physiotherapist, or pain specialist without delay. No referral is required for private patients.