The lower third of your spine is referred to as L-spine (lumbar spine).
MRI of the lower spine is one the most common type of spine scans performed and the typical indications are pain and numbness/tingling in the hip area, saddle area (genital region) and/or in the legs. This is called sciatica and is often caused by something compressing the nerves and the intensity ranges from mild to severe.
Indications for a lower back MRI scan
- Lower back pain; also referred to as “lumbago”
- Sciatica (pain or numbness often radiating to hips, thighs, lower legs or the feet)
- Decreased sensation in the saddle area (groin)
- Inability to urinate, defecate or incontinence
The scan is performed to look at the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and the spinal canal to detect various conditions:
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Tumours of the spinal column
- Disc bulge or hernia
- Fractures (Compression fractures, Burst fractures, Flexion-distraction fractures (seat-belt injuries), Fracture-dislocation)
- Scar tissue after previous surgeries
- Other abnormalities
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye