{"id":2731,"date":"2026-02-16T15:44:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T15:44:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/?post_type=exames&#038;p=2731"},"modified":"2026-03-10T11:40:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T11:40:22","slug":"lumbar-spine-mri","status":"publish","type":"exames","link":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/exams\/magnetic-resonance-imaging\/mri-spine\/lumbar-spine-mri","title":{"rendered":"Lumbar Spine MRI"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low back pain is very common and, in most cases, improves over time with simple measures. However, if the pain is persistent, if you develop pain travelling down the leg (sciatica), tingling, numbness or weakness, it may be important to investigate further.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>Lumbar Spine MRI<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a <\/span><b>non-invasive, radiation-free<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> imaging exam that allows a highly accurate assessment of the <\/span><b>intervertebral discs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>vertebrae<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>spinal canal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>nerve roots<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the lumbar region.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a Lumbar Spine MRI?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>lumbar spine MRI<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> analyses the five lower segments of the lumbar spine (L1\u2013L5), which support much of the body\u2019s weight. It is particularly useful to investigate causes of <\/span><b>low back pain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and symptoms such as <\/span><b>radiating pain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>sciatica<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>neurological changes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the legs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This exam allows clear visualisation of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Intervertebral discs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (wear \/ degeneration, protrusions, herniations);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lumbar canal and neural foramina<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (where the nerves pass);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nerve roots<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Vertebrae, joints and ligaments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Adjacent soft tissues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the price of a Lumbar Spine MRI?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The price of a <\/span><b>lumbar spine MRI<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><b>275\u20ac<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, when performed on a <\/span><b>private basis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, it can also be performed through several agreements, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ADSE:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the patient only pays a fee of <\/span><b>30\u20ac<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insurance companies:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> M\u00e9dis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vit\u00f3ria, Una Seguros, other insurers;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Health plans:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Medicare, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, other health plans;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Protocols:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a lumbar spine MRI, the price through protocol is <\/span><b>220\u20ac<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The price varies depending on the healthcare system or insurance you wish to use.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find out more about the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/exams\/magnetic-resonance-imaging\/price-of-magnetic-resonance-imaging\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">price of MRI exams<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is it performed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the day of the exam, the patient is positioned lying on a table, with the lumbar region supported on a <\/span><b>coil<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (an accessory that helps capture the signal with better quality). Images are acquired in several planes, with thin, high-resolution slices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the MRI:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The scanner is <\/span><b>open at both ends<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to <\/span><b>remain still<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, to ensure sharp images;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ear protection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is provided due to the noise generated by the scanner;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exam usually takes <\/span><b>30 to 50 minutes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, depending on the protocol and whether contrast is required.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, it may be necessary to administer <\/span><b>intravenous contrast<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially to assess <\/span><b>infections<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>tumours<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>inflammatory lesions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1661 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica.jpg\" alt=\"Lumbar Spine MRI\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ressonancia-magnetica-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it detect?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A lumbar spine MRI can help identify, among others:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Disc herniations and protrusions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stenosis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the spinal canal or neural foramina;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nerve root abnormalities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g. compression);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Degenerative changes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g. disc disease, facet osteoarthritis);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Spondylolisthesis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inflammatory and infectious changes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (when clinically suspected);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Traumatic injuries and fractures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (including osteoporotic fractures);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tumour lesions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (when clinically appropriate).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In which cases is it indicated?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor may request a lumbar spine MRI in situations such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Persistent low back pain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with or without radiating pain;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suspected <\/span><b>disc herniation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with nerve compression (e.g. sciatica);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tingling, numbness or weakness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the lower limbs;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suspected <\/span><b>lumbar stenosis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Post-trauma<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>post-surgical<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> assessment;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suspected\/monitoring of <\/span><b>inflammatory disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>infection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (when applicable).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation and guidelines for a Lumbar Spine MRI<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before undergoing an MRI at NRD, please consider the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Topic<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Guidance<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exam prescription (paper copy)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must bring the exam prescription in paper form.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most MRI exams do not require fasting. In cases with contrast, fasting for <\/span><b>3 hours<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is usually necessary (confirmed when booking).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early arrival<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrive <\/span><b>15 minutes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before the scheduled time.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may take essential and unavoidable medication with a minimum amount of water.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metal objects<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove all metal objects (e.g. earrings, bracelets, necklaces, piercings, hairpins, removable prostheses, etc.).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform the NRD healthcare professional if you are pregnant.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exams \/ Tests \/ Info<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring previous imaging exams, relevant clinical information and recent laboratory tests.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glucose monitoring implant<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not place the implant, as it will have to be removed before the exam.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make-up<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not wear make-up, as some products may affect the exam.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valve and\/or orthopaedic prostheses<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have valve and\/or orthopaedic prostheses, bring proof describing and specifying the material composition.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hearing aids<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform us if you use a hearing aid, as it must be removed before the exam.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dental prostheses<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform us if you use a dental prosthesis, as it must be removed before the exam. Also inform us if you have dental implants.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthodontic appliances<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform us if you wear orthodontic appliances. A test may be necessary to assess compatibility with MRI.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pacemakers and implantable devices<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NRD does not perform MRI exams on people with pacemakers or implantable devices (e.g. cochlear implant), and it is recommended that the exam be carried out in a hospital setting.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Throughout the MRI exam, you will be continuously monitored by the NRD imaging technologist responsible for your exam. An <\/span><b>alert system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will also be at your disposal, which you can activate if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The entire NRD team will be at your disposal to answer any questions that may arise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the exam, you can return to your usual daily activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When and how do you receive the results?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will receive the MRI results within <\/span><b>7 days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after the exam, by email or in paper form at the clinic. On the day of the exam, you will take a CD with the images with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where can you have it done?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The MRI can be performed at NRD, at the following address:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, n\u00ba 11-B, r\/c, 1070 \u2013 060 Lisbon (near Pra\u00e7a de Espanha)<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":1802,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-2731","exames","type-exames","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames\/2731","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/exames"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames\/1802"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2731"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}