Lumbar Spine MRI

A lumbar spine MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a kind of test conducted using a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the bones present in the lower back. The MRI scan enables the doctor to observe the soft tissues of your body. It does not involve radiation so it is harmless.

An MRI scan is a general procedure that hospitals use to study various tissues of body parts. A lumbar spine MRI specifically targets the lumbar region of the body that involves the lower back where backaches usually occur. 

The procedure has an edge over other medical examinations such as CT scans and X-Ray in terms of accuracy and lack of radiation. The entire procedure is outpatient so the patient does not have to spend the night in hospital.

Detailed MRI imaging enables doctors to examine the body and identify diseases. After the image development process, doctors examine the images on a computer monitor after which further review is possible on a printed hard copy.

Purpose of Lumbar Spine MRI

Doctors recommend a lumbar spine MRI to diagnose ailments concerning the spine effectively. A disease, infection, or injury-related pain might be the cause of your disorder. Doctors order a lumbar spine MRI for the following symptoms:

• If the patient is suffering from lower back pain brought on by fever.
• If the patient has an innate deformity that may cause problems in the future. 
• If the patient is suffering from multiple sclerosis.
• If the patient has bladder problems.
• If the patient shows signs of spinal cancer.
• If the patient complains of numbness and weakness in the legs.

Additionally, doctors order a lumbar spine MRI to:

• Check the alignments of the spine.
• Spot any inflammation of the spinal cord or nerves.
• Identify any tumors around the spine.
• Monitor a spine after an operation.
• Discover different sources of back pain.

How to Prepare?

Before the magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, the patient probably will not have to wear a hospital gown. If they are carrying any metallic objects or their clothing has some sort of metal fitting, the practitioner may ask you to take off that piece of clothing. Before the MRI imaging, doctors usually allow patients to take normal food and medication. However, a patient must inform their respective doctor if they are:

• Having any metallic implant like a peacemaker.
• Expecting a baby.
• Prone to allergic reactions, which is crucial since the use of contrast dye during medical imaging can cause allergies.
• Additional requirements include filling a questionnaire and a consent form.

Since a lumbar spine MRI involves being lying down in an enclosed chamber for an extended period, people who have a history of claustrophobia may find the procedure less welcoming. For such cases, doctors could prescribe an anti-anxiety pill or a sedative to help the person relax during the medical imaging. It is also critical to report to the assigned radiologist if one has a serious health problem. Ailments like severe kidney disease may necessitate the use of gadolinium contrast that is safer for patients suffering from internal issues.

What Does the Equipment Look like?

A traditional MRI machine consists of a large cylinder-shaped tube that a circular magnet surrounds. A sliding table attached to the machine is present where patients lie on their backs. The table then slides inside the gap between the tube where the lumbar spine MRI initiates.

Courtesy of medical technology advancement, various new kinds of MRI equipment are available. One such kind is the short-bore system. The design of this unit allows patients to be at much more ease because the magnet does not surround them. Innovation in MRI equipment has been revolutionary. Nowadays, hospitals utilize MRI machines that have a bigger diameter bore and offer more room to breathe. People suffering from paranoia and claustrophobia can benefit from this new improvement. 

These new ‘Open MRI machines are open on both sides. This allows lumbar spine MRI of bigger patients who do not usually fit on normal MRI tables. Open MRI units can provide enhanced images for various MRI scans. However, some exams are not possible on the open-MRI units.

How Does the Procedure Work?

The lumbar spine MRI generally takes up to 40 minutes to perform. The MRI technician would ask the patient to lie flat on the table after they have worn the respective hospital gown. A radiologist who monitors the progress through a monitor in the adjoining room would assist the technician. He maintains verbal contact with the patient throughout the procedure. A lumbar spine MRI is usually noisy so the technician may provide the patient with earplugs or headsets depending on what is available.

The MRI imaging uses a powerful magnetic flux that aligns and stimulates particles called protons within the body, forcing them to extend alignment. When the technician halts the flux, the protons begin to spin in their usual way. As they are doing this, they furnish off energy that the MRI machine detects. The MRI machine records this information, and a computer processes the info to make an in-depth image of the body. To obtain good-quality images, the patient has to remain completely still during the medical imaging process.

The lumbar MRI is an outpatient treatment process. It means that the patient does not have to stay overnight at the hospital. The plus side of lumbar spine MRI is that it is slightly better than CT scans and x-rays in terms of distinguishing between damaged tissue and normal tissue. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging does not involve radiation so it is a win-win situation. An MRI scan comprises multiple sequences, some of which can last for several minutes.

Depending on the location of the symptoms, the technician may scan only the affected part of the spine. The use of gadolinium contrast is possible to detect tumors and infections in the affected tissue. In case the doctor recommends the gadolinium contrast, the attending nurse would insert an arterial catheter (IV line) into one of the patient’s veins through the hand or an arm. The nurse will then inject the contrast dye through it. As the radiologist captures the images, he may ask the patient to hold their breath. During the entire medical imaging process, the patient will not feel a thing.

Experience During and After the Procedure

The patient hardly feels any discomfort during the procedure. However, the patient may feel a slight warmth in the area of the body that was targeted for medical imaging. This warmness only lasts for a few minutes. If the doctor uses contrast dye, it may slightly cause some uneasiness for the patient because of the IV needle. Minor skin irritation may surface around the IV needle insertion area. Some patients have even complained about a temporary metallic taste in their mouth following the contrast injection.

Results

The results of the MRI scan can take up to a week to complete. When the MRI imaging is finished, the radiologist may infer the results and prepare a report. The radiologist then delivers the report to the corresponding doctor. The doctor will then share the diagnosis with the patient either over the phone or in person.

A team of highly skilled professionals is available at MRI Elizabeth NJ who specialize in various kinds of MRIs. They retain one of the most sought-after faculty of MRI technicians and radiologists. More information is available on the official website.