Contraindications

Due to the magnetic fields, an MRI examination is contraindicated in a patient with a pacemaker. The magnetic field would disturb the function of the pacemaker and endanger the patient considerably. Furthermore, the examination cannot be performed on patients who have metallic foreign bodies, such as prostheses, in their bodies. In such a case the examination cannot be performed.

Costs for an MRI of the lumbar spine

The costs of an MRI examination of the lumbar spine can vary greatly. They depend, for example, on the insurance company (statutory or private health insurance), the number of shifts worked or the administration of contrast medium. If there is a medical indication for an MRI examination, such as a doctor’s referral, both statutory and private health insurance companies usually cover the costs of the examination. However, if the examination is only performed at the patient’s request, the costs must be covered by the patient himself. The costs for an MRI of the lumbar spine are between 400€ and 800€.

MRI for a slipped disc

A herniated disc (in medical terminology called disc prolapse or nucleus pulposus prolapse) is a fall out of the inner core of the disc, which can then cause painful or even neurological symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, various imaging techniques can be used.In addition to computed tomography, MRI of the spine is also used here, as this examination provides particularly good images of the structures of the tissue and nerves. Many images are taken of the entire spinal column section, so that a herniated disc of the lumbar spine can be easily detected.

In the MRI, the various structures of the lumbar spine such as vertebral bodies, spinal cord, nerve fluid are displayed differently depending on their weighting (T1, T2, PT). For this reason, knowledge of the physical parameters is always necessary for diagnostic findings. It is particularly important to visualize the intervertebral discs with the gelatinous core in the center of the disc as defined by the MRI.

This gelatinous core, also called nucleus pulposus, is surrounded by a fibrous ring. If the fibrous ring tears under overloading, the gelatinous core can move backwards into the spinal cord. The spinal cord lies behind the vertebral bodies; in the MRI it can be recognized by its light fibrous color.

If such a herniated disc is present, the advancement of disc tissue (jelly) into the spinal canal can be seen. The spinal cord is also significantly narrowed at this point. In addition, a smaller distance between the vertebral bodies adjacent to the affected intervertebral disc can be seen. The diagnosis is made by a radiologist and forwarded to the treating physician