The MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is the most common test used to look at the spine. The MRI scanner uses magnetic waves instead of radiation. Imagine if you could slice through the spine layer by layer and take pictures of each slice. That is exactly what the MRI scanner allows us to do. Multiple pictures of the spine are taken by the MRI scanner. This allows us to view not only the bones of the spine, but also the nerves and disks.

Slices can also be taken across the spine, giving a cross sectional view. The MRI scanner allows us to see the nerves and disk quite clearly. No special dyes or needles are necessary.

The MRI scan is, perhaps, too good at showing the anatomic details of the spine. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that not all abnormalities that show up on the MRI scan are really the cause of the individual patient's problem. Abnormalities, such as bulging disks, show up frequently in normal volunteers undergoing MRI scans - people who have never had any problem with their back. The bottom line is this - an MRI scan is a great test to show the lumbar spine anatomy, but it must be correlated carefully with your symptoms so that the findings aren't blown out of proportion.

Ruptured Disc Side View
(Image courtesy 'A Patient's Guide to Low Back Pain')

Ruptured Disc Top View
(Image courtesy 'A Patient's Guide to Low Back Pain')