MRI of the Lower Back - Diagnostic Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lower Back Scan.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the lower back or the lumbar spine may be ordered by your healthcare provider in order to diagnose evaluation causes of back pain, as well as pain (“sciatica”), weakness, or numbness in the leg/s.

MRI of the Lower Back.

Compared to other diagnostic imaging tests, lower back MRI has several advantages for evaluating symptoms in the lumbar spine. An MRI does not use radiation, instead manipulates the magnetic properties of water within normal living tissue and can reliably differentiate between fat, muscles, ligaments, discs, nerves, joints, bones and other soft tissues with greater clarity.

Your physician may recommend a lumbar spine or lower back MRI so as to evaluate the cause of your symptoms, such as severe pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back and/or leg. Most cases are due to degeneration of the spine, as well as trauma and developmental issues, however rarely may an underlying serious condition may be the cause, such as tumours, bleeding and infection. Other symptoms that may require you to undergo an MRI scan include:

difficulty in passing and controlling urine or stools
difficulty in walking or balance issues
history of cancer

An MRI scan can detect problems of the lower back that affect the bones, soft tissue, nerves, and disks and help diagnose tumours, bleeding, swelling, abnormalities, or inflammatory conditions in the bones or the surrounding tissue.

MRI Does Not Use Radiation

Percentage Composition of Water in the Human Body

MRI scanners use powerful magnets and radio waves which aligns hydrogen atoms in the body in one direction.

Schedule Your MRI Scan with Us Today.

If you are referred for an MRI scan, contact Melbourne Radiology Clinic for an appointment.

You can arrange for an MRI scan appointment with our team by calling us at (03) 9667 1667, sending an email to info@melbourneradiology.com.au along with your referral, or filling in our online booking form. We accept referrals from all over the Melbourne area— including from other radiology providers.

Further Information.

Referring doctors are welcome to discuss with our radiologists the imaging needs of their patients and whether MRI is suitable for their patient’s medical condition.