20–30 minutes depending on the number of levels.
MRI
MRI Lumbar / Lumbosacral Spine Without Contrast
Centre visitAdvanced equipment
Senior
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Family
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60 Mins
1M
4.9
5
MRI Lumbar / Lumbosacral Spine at Cadabams Diagnostics
- What it is: A painless, 20–30 minute scan that captures high-resolution pictures of the lower spine and surrounding nerves.
- Why choose Cadabams Diagnostics:
- 1.5 T & 3 T MRI options
- Open and wide-bore machines for claustrophobic patients
- Reports ready in 90 minutes (express slot)
- Home visit support for elderly or immobile patients
- Quick snapshot: No needles, no radiation, same-day clarity.
List of Parameters
List of Parameters Considered During the MRI Lumbar/Lumbosacral Spine
- Disc height: Checks for collapse or bulge
- Disc hydration (T2 signal): Dark disc = desiccation (wear & tear)
- Facet joint integrity: Arthritis or instability indicators
- Spinal canal diameter: Room for nerves; stenosis grading
- Nerve root impingement: Pinched nerve confirmation
- Paraspinal muscle edema: Muscle strain or inflammation
When to Take Test
When to Take Test
- Diagnosing herniated discs causing leg pain
- Evaluating spinal stenosis (narrowing) in elderly
- Pre-surgical planning—exact level and extent of disease
- Monitoring post-surgery recovery—scar vs recurrent herniation
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- High-resolution soft-tissue images—shows nerves, ligaments, discs
- No contrast agent side effects
- Early detection prevents permanent nerve damage
- Same-day results option at Cadabams Diagnostics
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Lumbar/Lumbosacral Spine
- Herniated intervertebral disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
- Spinal tumors (primary detection)
- Cauda equina compression (emergency)
- Facet joint arthritis
Preparing for Test
Preparing for the MRI Lumbar/Lumbosacral Spine
Instructions
- Fasting: Not required—eat normally.
- Clothing: Wear metal-free attire or change into gown.
- Metal check: Remove jewelry, belts, hearing aids.
Prerequisites & Eligibility
- Compatible implants checklist completed.
- Pregnancy: Safe after first trimester; inform technician.
Procedure for Taking the Test
- Lie on the scanner feet-first.
- Cushions under knees for comfort.
- 20-30 min scan, loud knocking sounds—headphones provided.
- You may listen to music or speak to technician via intercom.
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Notify staff if you have:
- Pacemaker / neurostimulator
- Metal fragments in eye
- Severe claustrophobia needing sedation
Risks & Limitations of the MRI Lumbar/Lumbosacral Spine
- No radiation risk—safe for repeated scans.
- Claustrophobia considerations:
- Open MRI & wide-bore magnets available
- Mild oral sedation on request
- Metal implant restrictions:
- Unsafe with most pacemakers, cochlear implants, some aneurysm clips
- Image clarity limitations: May miss tiny infections or early tumors—contrast MRI ordered if suspicion is high.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation (Structures Assessed) | General Description (What Radiologists Look For) | Interpretation / Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal disc signal | Bright on T2 | Healthy, well-hydrated disc |
| Desiccation | Dark disc on T2 | Early degeneration |
| Mild stenosis | Slight canal narrowing | May respond to physiotherapy |
| Moderate stenosis | 50–75 % narrowing | Medication + epidural |
| Severe stenosis | >75 % narrowing | Likely surgery candidate |
| Nerve root compression | Oval shape flattened | Source of leg pain / sciatica |
| Facet Joints | Assesses for hypertrophy, joint effusion, degeneration, or synovial cysts. | Degenerative facet arthropathy is a common cause of axial low back pain and may exacerbate spinal stenosis. |
| Paraspinal Soft Tissues | Evaluates surrounding muscles and ligaments for edema, strain, inflammation, or abnormal masses. | Muscle strain, inflammation, or soft tissue masses may contribute to pain or reflect underlying systemic pathology. |
FAQs
Yes, mild oral sedation on request; arrange a companion for drop-off.
Absolutely—no fasting needed.
Yes. It identifies which disc or bone is pinching the sciatic nerve.
Choose our open-MRI option or request a mild oral sedative in advance.
Standard reports by next morning; express 90-minute option at Cadabams Diagnostics.