What to look for on an MRI of the lower lumbar spine?

A lumbar spine MRI can detect a variety of conditions in the lower back, including problems with the bones (vertebrae), soft tissues (such as the spinal cord), nerves, and disks.

How do you read a spinal cord MRI?

Begin with the images of the lengthwise spine, also known as the sagittal images. Identify the middle of the central canal where the spinal cord and nerves float in the protective cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). This area highlights the junction between the intervertebral discs, bones, ligaments and nerves of the spine.

What are white spots on spine MRI?

These have a variety of names including high signal change, white matter change and small vessel disease. Sometimes they are even called ‘Unidentified Bright Objects or UBOs’. These white dots start to appear with increasing frequency as you age in healthy people. Roughly, its OK to have one dot per decade.

What is an abnormal lumbar MRI?

What Abnormal Results Mean. Most of the time, abnormal results are due to: Herniated or “slipped” disk (lumbar radiculopathy) Narrowing of the spinal column (spinal stenosis) Abnormal wearing on the bones and cartilage in the spine (spondylitis)

What does Mass Effect mean on lumbar MRI?

Lesions or processes that cause compression, distortion, and/or displacement of intracranial contents may be said to have “mass effect.” One important concept to understand is that mass effect is a manifestation on imaging of various intracranial processes (including tumor, hemorrhage, ischemia, and trauma) and not a …

Can you read your own MRI disc?

Insert your MRI disc into your computer. The main purpose of this is so that you can give the disc to your doctor, but there’s nothing wrong with reading your MRI at home.

What does loss of disc T2 signal mean?

Change in the disc signal, or darkening of the signal, is associated with dehydration or loss of hydrogen ions within the disc. This is often associated with lumbar disc degeneration. Decreased hydration leads to a loss of signal intensity on the T2 images which leads to darkening of the disc on the image (Figure 6).

How can I view my MRI images?

Most modern MRI centers can give you a copy of your MRI on a disc or flash drive after your appointment. While only your doctor can make a diagnosis based on the image, viewing and analyzing your MRI at home is easy!

What is L4 L5 degenerative disc disease?

The L4-L5 are the two lowest vertebrae of the lumbar spine. The L4-L5 disc is at a high risk of degeneration which is mainly due to the increased load at the L4-L5 motion segment and decreased movement in the segments below this level.