Lumbar Spine MRI Scan in Dadar West, Mumbai

AV Scan Diagnostics in Dadar West / Prabhadevi, Mumbai, near Siddhivinayak Temple and Shivaji Park, performs lumbar spine MRI for lower back pain, sciatica, disc prolapse and spinal canal stenosis on a Fujifilm ECHELON Smart MRI with a wide bore. Scans are reported by our panel of sub-specialty radiologists, with musculoskeletal imaging led by our MSK fellowship-trained radiologist, and most reports are ready the same day, sent to your WhatsApp.

At a Glance

Lumbar Spine MRI at AV Scan, Dadar West

AV Scan offers lumbar spine MRI to assess the lower back, intervertebral discs, nerve roots and spinal canal. All studies are reported by our panel of sub-specialty radiologists. Musculoskeletal imaging is led by our MSK fellowship-trained radiologist.

What Does Lumbar Spine MRI Diagnose?

• Disc prolapse / herniation — central, paracentral, foraminal, extraforaminal
• Nerve root compression — L4, L5, S1 radiculopathy
• Sciatica — identifying the level and cause
• Spinal canal stenosis — central and lateral recess
• Spondylolisthesis — slippage of vertebrae
• Degenerative disc disease — Modic changes, endplate pathology
• Facet joint arthropathy
• Cauda equina syndrome — urgent assessment
• Spinal tumours and metastases
• Infection — discitis, osteomyelitis
• Post-operative spine assessment (failed back surgery syndrome)

When Should You Get a Lumbar Spine MRI?

• Lower back pain with leg pain or weakness (sciatica)
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
• Back pain not improving with physiotherapy after 6 weeks
• Suspected cauda equina syndrome — loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the back passage, is an emergency: go to a hospital emergency department first
• Pre-surgical planning for disc surgery or spinal fusion
• Post-operative assessment

Wide-Bore MRI and Claustrophobia

Lumbar spine MRI at AV Scan Diagnostics is done on a Fujifilm ECHELON Smart MRI with a wide bore. The bore is the opening you lie in. Its width gives room around your shoulders and face, which can help if you are broad-built or feel closed in. It is a closed, wide-bore scanner: a tunnel with an opening at each end.

• Quieter scanning and music: the scanner is designed for quieter scanning, and in-scanner music is available. Every MRI still makes knocking sounds while it takes pictures, so ear protection is always used.
• Where you lie: the part being scanned needs to be in the centre of the scanner, so for a lumbar spine MRI your lower back is in the middle of the scanner. Knee, ankle and foot MRI are usually done feet first.
• Someone talks to you: between sequences, a team member talks to you and tells you roughly how long the next part lasts. You hold a call bell throughout and can press it at any time.
• Sedation if needed: if you are still very anxious, sedation is available under the supervision of an anaesthesiologist. Our team tells you how long to go without food beforehand. An adult must take you home afterwards, and you should not drive for 24 hours.

If closed spaces make you anxious, or you could not finish an MRI before, tell us when you book so our team can plan your scan. The MRI preparation guide explains what happens on the day.

Preparation

• No fasting required for non-contrast lumbar spine MRI
• Remove all metal objects, belt buckles and piercings
• Inform us of any previous spinal surgery or metal implants. If you have a pacemaker or another implanted device, tell us before booking and bring the device card — some MR-conditional devices can be scanned here under supervision, following the device's MRI conditions; others cannot be scanned.
• Scan duration: usually about 30–45 minutes