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.
A Lumbar Spine MRI is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging exam that allows a highly accurate assessment of the intervertebral discs, vertebrae, spinal canal and nerve roots in the lumbar region.
What is a Lumbar Spine MRI?
A lumbar spine MRI analyses the five lower segments of the lumbar spine (L1–L5), which support much of the body’s weight. It is particularly useful to investigate causes of low back pain and symptoms such as radiating pain, sciatica and neurological changes in the legs.
This exam allows clear visualisation of:
- Intervertebral discs (wear / degeneration, protrusions, herniations);
- Lumbar canal and neural foramina (where the nerves pass);
- Nerve roots;
- Vertebrae, joints and ligaments;
- Adjacent soft tissues.
What is the price of a Lumbar Spine MRI?
The price of a lumbar spine MRI is 275€, when performed on a private basis. However, it can also be performed through several agreements, including:
- ADSE: the patient only pays a fee of 30€;
- IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP;
- Insurance companies: Médis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vitória, Una Seguros, other insurers;
- Health plans: Medicare, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, other health plans;
- Protocols: for a lumbar spine MRI, the price through protocol is 220€.
The price varies depending on the healthcare system or insurance you wish to use.
Find out more about the price of MRI exams.
How is it performed?
On the day of the exam, the patient is positioned lying on a table, with the lumbar region supported on a coil (an accessory that helps capture the signal with better quality). Images are acquired in several planes, with thin, high-resolution slices.
During the MRI:
- The scanner is open at both ends;
- It is important to remain still, to ensure sharp images;
- Ear protection is provided due to the noise generated by the scanner;
- The exam usually takes 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the protocol and whether contrast is required.
In some cases, it may be necessary to administer intravenous contrast, especially to assess infections, tumours or inflammatory lesions.
What does it detect?
A lumbar spine MRI can help identify, among others:
- Disc herniations and protrusions;
- Stenosis of the spinal canal or neural foramina;
- Nerve root abnormalities (e.g. compression);
- Degenerative changes (e.g. disc disease, facet osteoarthritis);
- Spondylolisthesis;
- Inflammatory and infectious changes (when clinically suspected);
- Traumatic injuries and fractures (including osteoporotic fractures);
- Tumour lesions (when clinically appropriate).
In which cases is it indicated?
Your doctor may request a lumbar spine MRI in situations such as:
- Persistent low back pain, with or without radiating pain;
- Suspected disc herniation with nerve compression (e.g. sciatica);
- Tingling, numbness or weakness in the lower limbs;
- Suspected lumbar stenosis;
- Post-trauma or post-surgical assessment;
- Suspected/monitoring of inflammatory disease or infection (when applicable).
Preparation and guidelines for a Lumbar Spine MRI
Before undergoing an MRI at NRD, please consider the following:
| Topic | Guidance |
| Exam prescription (paper copy) | You must bring the exam prescription in paper form. |
| Fasting | Most MRI exams do not require fasting. In cases with contrast, fasting for 3 hours is usually necessary (confirmed when booking). |
| Early arrival | Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time. |
| Medication | You may take essential and unavoidable medication with a minimum amount of water. |
| Metal objects | Remove all metal objects (e.g. earrings, bracelets, necklaces, piercings, hairpins, removable prostheses, etc.). |
| Pregnancy | Inform the NRD healthcare professional if you are pregnant. |
| Exams / Tests / Info | Bring previous imaging exams, relevant clinical information and recent laboratory tests. |
| Glucose monitoring implant | Do not place the implant, as it will have to be removed before the exam. |
| Make-up | Do not wear make-up, as some products may affect the exam. |
| Valve and/or orthopaedic prostheses | If you have valve and/or orthopaedic prostheses, bring proof describing and specifying the material composition. |
| Hearing aids | Inform us if you use a hearing aid, as it must be removed before the exam. |
| Dental prostheses | Inform us if you use a dental prosthesis, as it must be removed before the exam. Also inform us if you have dental implants. |
| Orthodontic appliances | Inform us if you wear orthodontic appliances. A test may be necessary to assess compatibility with MRI. |
| Pacemakers and implantable devices | 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. |
Throughout the MRI exam, you will be continuously monitored by the NRD imaging technologist responsible for your exam. An alert system will also be at your disposal, which you can activate if needed.
The entire NRD team will be at your disposal to answer any questions that may arise.
After the exam, you can return to your usual daily activities.
When and how do you receive the results?
You will receive the MRI results within 7 days 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.
Where can you have it done?
The MRI can be performed at NRD, at the following address:
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 11-B, r/c, 1070 – 060 Lisbon (near Praça de Espanha)