MRI Lumbar / Lumbosacral Spine Without Contrast

• What it is: A painless, 20–30 minute scan that captures high-resolution pictures of the lower spine and surrounding nerves.
• Why choose Cadabams Diagnostics:
• 1.5 T & 3 T MRI options
• Open and wide-bore machines for claustrophobic patients
• Reports ready in 90 minutes (express slot)
• Home visit support for elderly or immobile patients
• Quick snapshot: No needles, no radiation, same-day clarity.

• Disc height: Checks for collapse or bulge
• Disc hydration (T2 signal): Dark disc = desiccation (wear & tear)
• Facet joint integrity: Arthritis or instability indicators
• Spinal canal diameter: Room for nerves; stenosis grading
• Nerve root impingement: Pinched nerve confirmation
• Paraspinal muscle edema: Muscle strain or inflammation

• Diagnosing herniated discs causing leg pain
• Evaluating spinal stenosis (narrowing) in elderly
• Pre-surgical planning—exact level and extent of disease
• Monitoring post-surgery recovery—scar vs recurrent herniation

• High-resolution soft-tissue images—shows nerves, ligaments, discs
• No contrast agent side effects
• Early detection prevents permanent nerve damage
• Same-day results option at Cadabams Diagnostics

• Herniated intervertebral disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
• Spinal tumors (primary detection)
• Cauda equina compression (emergency)
• Facet joint arthritis

Instructions

• Fasting: Not required—eat normally.
• Clothing: Wear metal-free attire or change into gown.
• Metal check: Remove jewelry, belts, hearing aids.

Prerequisites & Eligibility

• Compatible implants checklist completed.
• Pregnancy: Safe after first trimester; inform technician.

Procedure for Taking the Test

1. Lie on the scanner feet-first.
2. Cushions under knees for comfort.
3. 20-30 min scan, loud knocking sounds—headphones provided.
4. You may listen to music or speak to technician via intercom.

Caution Before Taking the Test

• Notify staff if you have:
• Pacemaker / neurostimulator
• Metal fragments in eye
• Severe claustrophobia needing sedation

• No radiation risk—safe for repeated scans.
• Claustrophobia considerations:
• Open MRI & wide-bore magnets available
• Mild oral sedation on request
• Metal implant restrictions:
• Unsafe with most pacemakers, cochlear implants, some aneurysm clips
• Image clarity limitations: May miss tiny infections or early tumors—contrast MRI ordered if suspicion is high.