Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic tool providing detailed images of internal body structures. Many individuals scheduled for a lower back MRI have questions about the procedure, particularly regarding how they will be positioned. This article aims to address these points, explaining the setup and overall experience to alleviate common concerns.
How a Lower Back MRI Positions You
For a lower back MRI, also known as a lumbar spine MRI, patients lie on a movable table. The table slides into the large, tube-shaped MRI scanner. For a lower back scan, patients usually enter feet-first.
Typically, only the lower section of the body, from the waist down or sometimes up to the chest, enters the narrowest part of the machine’s bore. This often allows the head and upper body to remain outside or at the opening, depending on patient height and the specific machine. The machine focuses its magnetic fields and radio waves on the targeted body part, rather than scanning the entire body.
Traditional closed-bore MRI machines are cylindrical, with a typical diameter of about 60 centimeters. Wide-bore MRI machines offer a slightly larger opening, usually around 70 centimeters, providing more space. Open MRI systems feature a less enclosed design, with magnets positioned above and below the patient. However, these often have weaker magnetic fields, which can impact image quality.
Managing Comfort and Claustrophobia
The enclosed nature of traditional MRI machines can be a concern for some individuals. Communicate any anxieties or claustrophobia to the MRI technologist before the scan begins. They can offer reassurance and discuss available options to improve comfort.
Techniques to manage discomfort during the scan include practicing deep breathing exercises, focusing on slow breaths, or engaging in visualization to promote relaxation. Earplugs or headphones are routinely provided to mitigate loud noises. Blankets can be offered for warmth, and an eye mask might help reduce the perception of being in an enclosed space.
For individuals experiencing significant anxiety, a medical professional may consider prescribing a mild sedative. This is a medical decision based on a patient’s needs and history, and if used, it requires arrangements for transportation home after the procedure.
The MRI Scan Experience
During the MRI scan, patients will notice various loud noises. These sounds, often described as banging, tapping, thumping, or clicking, are a normal part of the process. They are generated by the machine’s gradient coils as they rapidly switch magnetic fields to create detailed images.
Remaining perfectly still is important for obtaining clear and diagnostic images. Movement during the scan can blur the pictures, potentially requiring repeat sequences. A lower back MRI typically takes between 20 to 60 minutes, though this duration can vary depending on the specific imaging required and whether a contrast agent is used. Throughout the procedure, the technologist monitors the patient from an adjacent room and communicates via an intercom system, allowing the patient to ask questions or express concerns. After the scan is complete, the table slides out of the machine.