Helpful tips / 09/06/2019

How does a MRI re-create the lumbar spine?

As mentioned above, MRI re-creates the lumbar spine by producing a sequential series of images so that every part of the lumbar spine is captured in an orderly fashion. There are three important sagittal regions that we need to discuss: the mid-sagittal region, the para-sagittal region and the foraminal-sagittal region.

Can a MRI be done on any part of your back?

An MRI can be performed on any part of your body. A lumbar MRI specifically examines the lumbar section of your spine — the region where back problems commonly originate. The lumbosacral spine is made up of the five lumbar vertebral bones (L1 thru L5), the sacrum (the bony “shield” at the bottom of your spine), and the coccyx (tailbone).

What does the L mean on a lumbar MRI?

Medically, the vertebrae are labeled with an “L” indicating the lumbar region, followed by the number. For example, the second vertebra from the top of your lumbar spine is called “L2.” Tip: A sagittal image may also show the thoracic vertebrae above the lumbar section of your spine.

How to learn how to read your lumbar MRI?

Learn How to Read Your Lumbar MRI 1 Meet the T2 Weighted MRI Images: Now I don’t want to get too complicated here,… 2 Sagittal Images. The sagittal MRI images are hands down the easiest to look at and understand. 3 Axial Images. Although the axial images are much tougher to get a handle on,…

What does this MRI for lumbar spine indicate?

The lumbar MRI will help them plan the procedure before making an incision. An MRI scan provides a different kind of image from other imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans. An MRI of the lumbar spine shows the bones, disks, spinal cord , and the spaces between the vertebral bones where nerves pass through .

How long does a lumbar spine MRI scan take?

A lumbar spine MRI usually takes about 30-60 minutes to perform. Your child will lie on the movable scanning table while the technologist places him or her into position. A special plastic device called a coil may be placed around your child’s head. The table will slide into the tunnel and the technician will take images of the lumbar spine.

What is given to MRI patients before a MRI?

Contrast agents (often containing the element Gadolinium) may be given to a patient intravenously before or during the MRI to increase the speed at which protons realign with the magnetic field. The faster the protons realign, the brighter the image.

When to get MRI?

An MRI scan is usually requested after a month or so, if the lower back pain shows no signs of abating. The MRI scan is used as a means of establishing what is causing the pain.

What does a sagittal lumbar MRI look like?

At a minimum, you’ll have a sagittal lumbar MRI, which is a vertical image that looks at your spine from the side. You may also have axial images, which look at a cross-section of an individual disc. Think of these as similar to slicing a tree log in sections to look at the rings on the tree.

Can a MRI re-create the lumbar spine?

The MRI machine has the capability to re-create your lumbar spine, slice by slice, in three planes: a view from the side (sagittal), front (coronal), and bottom-up (axial). Typically, the coronal series is not performed.

When to expect the results of a lumbar MRI?

People can expect their MRI results within a week after the examination. A lumbar MRI is a noninvasive procedure that doctors use to help diagnose lower back pain, plan back surgery, or monitor progressive medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. The scanning process itself lasts about 20 to 35 minutes.

Is it important to Know Your MRI results for lower back pain?

Understanding your MRI results for lower back pain is vitally important given the growing number of people sent for imaging each year. Lower back pain is one of the most common injuries we see and treat in our clinics. An estimated 1 in 6 Australia’s have chronic lower back pain. Nearly 3 in 10 Australians will experience back pain at some stage.