Here is what to expect when you have an MRI LS spine scan in plain and easy-to-understand language.
How Long Does An LS Spine Scan Take?
An MRI of the LS spine lasts approximately 30 minutes to an hour (60 minutes). It may be a little longer if your doctor wants a lot of good pictures and if they choose to use special “highlighting liquid” contrast dye.
Preparation and in the Scanner
When you arrive to have your scan, you will be asked to lie on a special rolling bed. It’s kind of like a thin, gentle table. Your assistant, whom they call a technologist, will get you on your back in a comfortable position, generally facing up.
They can also put gentle pillows or a strap across you to get you set in the right way and prevent you from moving. This is really, actually important because whatever you move will blur the pictures, like if you are trying to capture using a moving hand.
Once you are comfortable and settled in, this bed will push you slowly into the MRI machine. Think of a big, short tube with both ends open. You won’t be in a casing but rather in the machine where the radio waves and powerful magnets can operate to produce the pictures.
The Noisy Part (Noise)
Now, here’s something to prepare you: the actual MRI machine itself creates loud and occasionally weird noises while it is capturing its pictures. It could sound like banging, thumping, buzzing, or tapping. It’ll be some such noise as there are some work sounds in the next room! To cover your ears and you will be comfortable, the technologist will provide earplugs or headphones. Sometimes they even allow you to listen to music on the headphones, which can come in handy for passing the time as well as to shut out the noise.
Discussion with the Doctors or Physician
While you will be inside the machine, you’re not by yourself! There is one way in which you can communicate with the technologist at any time during the test. There is usually a tiny speaker and microphone gadget (such as an intercom) so you can inform them if you get too uncomfortable, if you need to cough, or just want to ask them something.
Some locations appreciate that it’s a bit eerie, and they can squeeze in a family member or friend to go with you for moral support. They will not actually be permitted into the room where the MRI machine is because of safety concerns over the powerful magnets.
In some situations a special “highlighting liquid” (contrast dye) is used.
In some instances, your doctor will have to take even more pictures of a few veins or tissues.
Depending on what and where you are getting imaged, a fluid called a contrast agent will be injected into one of the veins of your arm, for example.
It is somewhat similar to adding food colouring into water to highlight certain areas. This dye is usually very safe, and a bad allergic reaction is unlikely. You may feel a temporary sensation of coolness when it is given.
It Shouldn’t Hurt, But Holding Still May Be a Little Uncomfortable (No Pain) The MRI itself will not hurt you. You will not experience any shocking or buzzing from the radio waves or magnet. But keeping still a bit longer sometimes makes you a bit stiff or uncomfortable, such as when you try to stay completely still in the same position for an incredibly long time.
If you find that you’re getting claustrophobic (afraid of being within an enclosed area) or anxious when you’re on the machine, it is extremely important to notify the staff immediately.
They are experts at making people feel relaxed.
They can provide you with relaxation techniques, like leading you in slow, deep breaths.
If your doctor has spoken to you in advance, they might have even prescribed a low dose sedative (a kind of relaxing medication) so you will be able to relax during the scan. So all things considered, an MRI LS spine scan is lying very still in a machine for 30-60 minutes while it bangs and clatters along.
You can actually talk to the staff, and they will do their best to make you as comfortable as possible. It doesn’t pain but takes very detailed x-rays of your lower spine so your doctor can determine what’s going on.
Selecting the Best Imaging Centre in Delhi or ‘Labs Near Me’ Selecting the proper diagnostic center is important for a favorable outcome and acceptable experience. This is what to seek out:
Accreditation and technology: Opt for a center that is NABL accredited and employs state-of-the-art MRI technology for optimal accuracy in imaging.
Skilled radiologists: The skill of the radiologist reading your scan can make an important difference in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Convenience and access: Search for centers that offer extensive appointment times, minimal waiting periods, and proximity to your base for improved accessibility.
Patient care: Top labs spend on patient comfort, open information, and companions along the way.
Extended services: Top centers such as CareBox.in pair top image providers with the ability to compare quotes and schedule consults at top-rated diagnostic centers in your area
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is an MRI LS spine scan?
An MRI LS spine scan is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the lower region of the back (lumbar spine) including the bones, discs, nerves and soft tissues.
Q. Why do I need an MRI LS spine scan?
Doctor refer to this test to assess chronic back pain, or higher levels of numbness or weakness of the legs or to diagnose issues such as herniated discs, nerve compression, spinal injury, tumours, infection, or congenital abnormalities.
Q. Is an MRI LS spine scan safe?
Yes, it is a painless, safe test without any radiation exposure. However, individuals with metal implants, pacemakers, or other devices must discuss their situation with their doctor before having an MRI.
Q. How long does it take to do the MRI LS spine scan?
The test takes on average 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the body area involved (which area of the lumbar spine was scanned) and if contrast dye was injected.
Q. How to book an LS spine scan at the cheapest cost?
If you’re searching for an LS spine scan near you at the cheapest cost, contact carebox. We will help you to find the best imaging centre near you.
