Quick version
A lumbar spine MRI is a painless and radiation-free way to get a detailed picture of the spinal discs, nerves and joints. The examination is often used to investigate long-term back pain, pain that radiates down the legs, numbness or suspected nerve damage.
A lumbar spine MRI can show conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis and other changes that can explain the symptoms, but also help to rule out more serious causes. In many cases, a normal finding provides important reassurance and guidance for continued treatment or rehabilitation.
At the same time, it is important to know that MRI often shows age-related changes that are common and harmless. Therefore, the results should always be interpreted by an experienced doctor who can put the findings in the right context. We collaborate with Unilabs and offer short waiting times and safe medical follow-up both before and after your examination.
The lumbar spine is also an area where many different structures interact, from discs, joints, muscles and nerve roots, which means that the cause of the pain is not always obvious. When the symptoms persist, recur or begin to radiate down the leg, an MRI scan can provide a more detailed picture of the discs and nerves and help determine whether there is a clear explanation, or whether the findings indicate that the focus should be on rehabilitation and load adaptation.
What is seen on an MRI scan of the lumbar spine?
A MRI of the lumbar spine is an advanced, completely radiation-free method that provides very detailed images of the soft tissues of the spine. The scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to image the discs, nerve roots, spinal canal, joints and surrounding soft tissue. Because the MRI is particularly good at showing soft tissue, the examination is often used to assess whether back pain is due to nerve damage, disc changes or other structural causes that are not visible on a regular X-ray.
A MR lumbar spine can identify causes of long-term low back pain, pain that radiates down the legs or symptoms such as numbness, tingling and muscle weakness.
What conditions can MRI lumbar spine detect?
An MRI examination of the lumbar spine is mainly used to map structural changes that can explain pain or neurological symptoms. Common findings include herniated discs, where an intervertebral disc presses against a nerve root, and narrowing of the spinal canal, known as spinal stenosis. The examination can also show age-related changes in discs and joints, such as disc degeneration or osteoarthritis in the facet joints. In some cases, MRI can also reveal inflammation, infection, fractures, tumors or other rarer conditions that require further investigation or treatment.
When is an MRI of the lumbar spine relevant?
MRI of the lumbar spine is most often relevant for back problems that are long-term, recurrent or clearly affect everyday life and quality of life. The examination is particularly relevant if the pain radiates down one or both legs, or if it is accompanied by numbness, decreased sensation or muscle weakness. It may also be justified if the symptoms do not improve despite rest, physiotherapy or other conservative treatment, or if there are signs that raise suspicion of a more serious underlying cause.
MRI of the lumbar spine for explanatory or preventive purposes
Some choose to undergo MRI of the lumbar spine even without acute symptoms, for example in the case of recurrent back problems or to gain a better understanding of the load and function of their back. For people with physically demanding work, previous back injuries or long-term stiffness, the examination can contribute to a more individually tailored plan for training, rehabilitation and load.
In these cases, the examination is not necessarily about finding a disease, but about creating security, reducing uncertainty and getting better decision-making information about how to take care of your back over time.
Common incidental findings and how to interpret them
MRI of the lumbar spine is a very sensitive examination and often shows changes that are common in the population, especially with increasing age. Disc bulges, minor wear and tear changes and minor narrowing can also occur in people without back pain. These so-called incidental findings are usually harmless and do not require treatment, but can cause concern if they are not put into the right context. Therefore, it is important that the examination results are always interpreted by a doctor with experience in back diagnostics, who can determine whether the findings are relevant to your specific symptoms.
Part of a comprehensive assessment
An MRI of the lumbar spine should be seen as a complement to the clinical examination and description of symptoms, not as a stand-alone answer in itself. Imaging findings always need to be weighed against how you feel and what problems you are experiencing. Regardless of whether the examination shows clear changes or not, it can contribute to better guidance regarding continued treatment, rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments. In some cases, it can also be crucial for detecting conditions where early action makes a big difference.
Would you like to know more or have an examination?
MRI of the lumbar spine is part of our diagnostic range. We have good accessibility and send referrals quickly to shorten waiting times. You will always be in contact with a licensed physician both before and after the examination, for a safe and clear review of your results. If you have any questions, you are most welcome to call us directly for a free consultation.