Here’s What a Back MRI Can Reveal

Whether it's sudden, sharp back pain or a nagging, dull ache that never goes away, you can't get better unless you identify the source of your problem. That's where a back MRI can help.

When you're hurting, don't rely on guesswork. A back MRI reveals what's going on under the surface, uncovering your spine's secrets so you can get help. At LA MRI Center Inc. in Los Angeles, California, we use MRI imaging technology to capture detailed scans of your spine and surrounding tissues from our centrally located Koreatown facility.

Our friendly, supportive staff ensures your MRI experience is stress-free, and our open MRI machine, the Hitachi Airis® II, eliminates concerns about claustrophobia. We offer fast scheduling and imaging results so you can get the answers you need.

Read on to learn what a back MRI can reveal.

What a back MRI can detect

A back MRI is a detailed imaging test. While X-rays mainly show your bones, an MRI shows your spine, nerves, and soft tissues. Some of the most common conditions a back MRI can reveal include:

Herniated discs

When the soft, gel-like material inside a spinal disc erupts through a crack in the outer layer, it can press on nearby spinal nerves. This is a common cause of back pain and sometimes causes problems like weakness or numbness in your legs. An MRI can pinpoint the location and severity of a herniated disc.

Fractures

Smaller fractures, like tiny hairline vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis (vertebral compression fractures), may not show on X-rays. However, an MRI can detect these tiny fractures.

Spinal stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, may cause spinal cord compression and back pain. A back MRI can locate the narrowing and determine why you're in pain.

Degenerative disc disease

A back MRI can detect spine changes related to aging, like worn-down discs.

Tumors

A back MRI can detect abnormal growths of all types in your spine.

Infections

Back MRIs can detect problems that point to spinal infections, such as fluid buildup, abscesses, and bone marrow changes.

The open MRI difference

Many people avoid MRIs because they fear feeling trapped inside a traditional machine. That’s why we use the Hitachi Airis II open MRI, which provides a comfortable, open experience without sacrificing image quality.

It's ideal for patients who feel stressed in tight spaces. Our open MRI ensures that every patient gets answers to their back pain in a comfortable, safe setting.

If back pain is making your life miserable, a back MRI is your next step to finding relief. Schedule your MRI today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.