MRI lumbar spine without & with contrast material

Procedure Information

What is a MRI Lumbar Spine Without & With Contrast Material?

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) lumbar scan is a non-invasive procedure that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the lumbar spine (the lower back) without and with the use of contrast material.

Why Would I Get a MRI Lumbar Spine Without & With Contrast Material?

An MRI lumbar scan without and with the use of contrast material can help detect a variety of spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, nerve compression, scoliosis, nerve root compression, and herniated discs. It can also be used to assess the response to treatments or to monitor the progression of disease.

What Happens During a MRI Lumbar Spine Without & With Contrast Material?

During the procedure, you will lay on a table that slides into the MRI machine. The machine uses the strong magnetic field to take images of the lumbar spine. The images can be seen immediately and are available in a variety of formats, such as 2D and 3D images. If contrast material is required, a contrast dye will be administered either through an IV or orally.

What to Expect After a MRI Lumbar Spine Without & With Contrast Material?

After the procedure, you can expect to return to your normal activities. Depending on the results, you may need to follow-up with your doctor for further treatment, such as physical therapy or surgery. There are no longterm side effects associated with the procedure, although you may feel slightly warm from the contrast material.

Conclusion:

A MRI lumbar scan without and with contrast material is a non-invasive, safe procedure that can provide valuable information to help diagnose and treat many spinal conditions. After the procedure, you can expect to return to your normal activities and may need follow-up with your doctor if any suspicious areas are found.