Lower Back MRI
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MRI scan

Lower Back MRI

Insight into your lower back

What is examined during the lower back MRI?

We perform an MRI scan of the lower part of the spine, the lumbar vertebrae. This scan provides a clear picture of the possible presence of osteoarthritis, bone abnormalities, hernias, spinal canal stenosis, and nerve compression.

What does an lower back MRI provide?

  • Insight into lumbar vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and nerves
  • Detection of hernias, wear and tear, and narrowings
  • Safe, painless, and radiation-free
  • Results on the same day

Specifications Lower Back MRI

MRI scan
MRI scan

MRI scan

  • orthopedics Lumbar spine

Details
  • Provides insight into
  • Pros and cons
  • Alternatives
  • Risks
  • Technical description

Provides insight into

A preventive MRI of your lower back is intended to detect potential conditions at an early stage, but if you experience symptoms or notice unusual changes, you should always contact your general practitioner.

It is possible that an examination may lead to incidental findings. Before the examination, Prescan will ask whether you wish to be informed about incidental findings for which monitoring or treatment is possible, and incidental findings concerning conditions that may affect your offspring. Prescan is not permitted to inform you about incidental findings for which no monitoring or treatment is possible (see NEN 8051 standard for more information).

The results of the examination can be shared with your general practitioner. For more information about preventive medical examinations, Prescan recommends consulting the following independent sources:

KNMG Brochure

RIVM Health Testing website

Pros and cons

Pros:
  • High image quality without radiation: An MRI scan provides highly detailed images of organs and tissues without the use of harmful ionizing radiation, unlike for example an X-ray or CT scan.
  • Non-invasive and safe: The examination is safe and non-invasive, meaning that no needles or procedures are required, making it more comfortable for the patient.
  • No contrast medium required: For this specific MRI scan, no contrast medium is used, which makes the examination safer for people who may be allergic to contrast media or have kidney problems.
Cons:
  • A preventive MRI scan of the lower back can sometimes detect benign abnormalities that pose no risk. This may cause unnecessary worry or anxiety, especially if follow-up examinations are required to rule out something serious.
  • In some cases, harmless abnormalities may mistakenly be seen as concerning, which can lead to unnecessary follow-up examinations or additional scans. This can cause stress, even if it later turns out there is no problem. Prescan will never make a diagnosis or provide treatment in such cases, but will refer you to your general practitioner for further examination.
  • People with metal implants such as pacemakers or surgical clips may not always be able to undergo an MRI due to the use of strong magnets.
  • The enclosed space of the MRI machine can be an issue for people with claustrophobia.
  • Without contrast medium, some small abnormalities may be less visible on the scan. This means certain details are harder to detect, and additional examinations may sometimes be needed to get a clear picture.

Alternatives

(Not offered by Prescan)

Possible alternatives include:

  • CT scan
  • PET scan

Risks

  • Claustrophobia: anxiety in the confined space, which may be managed with sedatives. Sedatives must be obtained through your general practitioner or a pharmacy.
  • An important risk with an MRI scan is the presence of metal in the body. MRI uses strong magnets, and metallic objects or implants can therefore be attracted, which may be dangerous. This applies to:
    • Metal implants: Individuals with metal implants such as pacemakers, stents, or joint prostheses must always inform their physician. Some modern implants are MRI-safe, but this must be checked beforehand.
    • Metal in the body: Splinters or other small metallic objects in the body may shift or heat up during the MRI, which can cause injury.
    • Metallic objects: It is important to remove all metallic objects such as jewelry, watches, and piercings before the scan, as these may be attracted by the magnetic field.
  • To avoid risks, a thorough screening is performed before the MRI to check for the presence of metal.

Technical description

MRI Scanners

Prescan uses 1.5 and 3 Tesla scanners. The choice of scanner depends on the availability at the location. Unfortunately, clients cannot select a specific scanner. However, both types of scanners provide reliable and accurate images, and the choice of scanner does not affect the outcome or the quality of the examination.

MRI Protocol

The MRI protocol at Prescan has been developed in consultation with radiologists and MRI technicians to ensure optimal image quality, suited for preventative medical screening. While a standard protocol is followed, radiologists may decide to deviate from it based on the specific situation and apply a customised scan protocol.

Interested in an MRI scan of the Lower Back?

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Day Program at Prescan

What can you expect when you choose a preventive health examination at Prescan? We have outlined it for you

Intake
+- 10 minutes

The day begins with the intake consultation. In this conversation, the course of the examination day is explained. There's an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any specific details, ensuring everything is clear before the start of the examination.

MRI scan
+- 45 minutes

Then, it's time for the MRI scan. During the MRI scan you will be guided by the technician. The technician will guide you step by step, help you position yourself correctly, and closely monitor the examination. This ensures the scan is conducted safely, comfortably, and thoroughly.

Result
+- 20 minutes

Next, it's time for the results. The radiologist will thoroughly discuss the MRI images with you and clearly explain what can be seen. Any abnormalities or risk factors will be carefully discussed, so you know exactly where your health stands.

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Thanks to our specialists, you can count on the best possible care.

Our experts range from cardiologists and MRI technicians to dermatologists and radiologists. What makes them specialists is their years of experience and their passion for what they do.

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