6 Spinal Conditions We Can Evaluate With a Back MRI

At LA MRI Center, located in Koreatown, Los Angeles, California, our imaging technology helps patients find real answers for back pain. 

Known for providing compassionate, comfortable, and precise diagnostic care, we use back MRI scans to identify a wide range of spinal conditions that can affect your daily movement and quality of life.

Understanding how an MRI can help

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a blend of powerful magnets, radio waves, and computer technology to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Unlike other imaging methods, it doesn’t involve radiation exposure. 

During an MRI, a powerful magnet aligns hydrogen atoms in your body. Radio waves then briefly disturb this alignment. As the atoms return to their original positions, they emit signals that a computer transforms into detailed images of your organs, muscles, and other soft tissues. These images help doctors diagnose spinal problems with exceptional accuracy.

Here at LA MRI Center, we use the Hitachi Airis II™ Open MRI, a state-of-the-art open MRI system designed for maximum comfort and precision. At least 12.5% of Americans experience claustrophobia — severe fear and anxiety in small, enclosed spaces. Traditional MRI machines are exactly that: narrow, enclosed tubes that trigger MRI claustrophobia for many. 

With our open MRI system, patients who typically experience serious anxiety can get the medical imaging they need comfortably and safely. 

The Airis II Open MRI provides the same high-quality images as traditional MRIs but with much more open space. This is particularly important when it comes to back pain, which can become debilitating if undetected and untreated.

Spine conditions diagnosed through a back MRI

At LA MRI Center, we frequently perform back MRIs to help doctors assess the following conditions. 

1. Herniated discs

A herniated disc occurs when the soft jelly-like nucleus of a spinal disc oozes out through a fissure in its outer layer, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates into your arms or legs. 

A back MRI clearly shows the location and severity of a herniated disc, helping doctors determine the most appropriate treatment.

2. Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can compress your spinal cord or nerves. Symptoms may include leg pain, weakness, or cramping when standing or walking. 

An MRI is the most accurate way to visualize this narrowing and assess the degree of compression.

3. Degenerative disc disease

As you age, the discs between your vertebrae lose flexibility and hydration, which can lead to chronic back pain or stiffness. An MRI helps identify these degenerative changes early, allowing for proactive care before symptoms worsen.

4. Sciatica

Technically a symptom but often referred to as a condition, sciatica describes sharp, shooting pain that goes down one leg. 

It’s often related to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. A back MRI can reveal the exact point where your nerve is compressed and help detect the specific condition causing the pain to help guide targeted treatment and relief.

5. Spondylolisthesis

This condition occurs when one vertebra slips out of place onto the bone below it. This can cause lower back pain, stiffness, or leg weakness. 

MRI imaging helps detect spinal alignment issues and can also pinpoint any nerve involvement associated with the slippage.

6. Spinal tumors or infections

Though rare, tumors or infections can develop near or within your spinal column. 

An MRI provides a detailed view that helps differentiate between these abnormalities and other spinal problems, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis.

Your back MRI: A comfortable and caring experience

At LA MRI Center, our team focuses on making every experience calm, efficient, and reassuring, so you can feel at ease throughout your scan.

If you’re struggling with persistent back pain or nerve symptoms, it may be time to book your back MRI. We offer free parking and easy access. Schedule your MRI today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.