However, it is important for an individual to inform the doctor if they: In addition, there is a possibility of a false-positive result, where a scan suggests that a problem is present when it is not.īefore going for an MRI, a person can usually eat, drink, and take their medication as usual, unless a doctor has specified otherwise. It is of note that no diagnostic technology is fully reliable, although some studies have suggested up to 100% success rates for a lumbar MRI detecting a herniated disk.Īn MRI will not definitely show that a person has a specific problem, and the person may need further tests. If the image is normal, there is no need for action.
ankylosing spondylitis, which may involve inflammation and changes in the shape of the spine.central vertebral canal stenosis, in which a narrowing occurs that leads to nerve compression in the spine.degenerative changes, such as a herniated disk or disk that has broken down, called an annular fissure.a congenital or developmental variant, a feature that a person has developed or had since birth.Carrying out a lumbar MRI too early could lead to unnecessary cost and anxiety.Ī lumbar MRI can indicate the reason a person is experiencing back, leg, or other type of pain. A herniated disk will usually reabsorb within 8 weeks. The reason for delaying a lumbar MRI is that most cases of back pain resolve within a few weeks, according to the AAFP. a serious underlying condition, such as cancer.sudden back pain with spinal tenderness, possibly linked to cancer, osteoporosis, or steroid use.sudden back pain that occurs alongside fever.monitor damage to the spine after an injuryĪ doctor will not usually carry out a lumbar MRI during the first 6 weeks that a person experiences pain unless the person has:.check for tumors on or around the spinal cord.evaluate any inflammation of the spinal cord or nerves.
check for a lumbar disk herniation, which can lead to leg pain.detect abnormalities of vertebrae or the spinal cord.In this case, the surgical team uses the results of the lumbar MRI to help plan the operation.Ī lumbar MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool that doctors may use to: Claudication can be vascular, affecting the blood vessels, or neurogenic, involving the nerves.Ī doctor may also order a lumbar MRI for an individual who is about to undergo back surgery. Claudication: This can lead to mobility problems and dull pain or aching in the lower limbs.Sciatica: This causes acute pain and results from irritation to a nerve root, possibly due to inflammation or structural changes.Lower back pain: This can result from muscle strain, joint damage, or other reasons.The main reasons a doctor will recommend an MRI is to investigate: If someone is experiencing pain in their lower back, a doctor may recommend a lumbar MRI scan to help diagnose the source of the pain. Medical professionals perform lumbar MRIs for a variety of reasons. Share on Pinterest Sopone Nawoot/Getty ImagesĪccording to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), low back pain is one of the most common reasons for outpatient visits to hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities.
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