Lumbar spine MRI shows detailed images of vertebrae, intervertebral discs, the spinal canal, spinal cord/cauda equina and exiting nerve roots, plus ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues. It detects degenerative changes, disc bulges or herniations, spinal stenosis, nerve compression, fractures, infection, tumors, marrow or inflammatory changes, alignment or congenital abnormalities, and postoperative scar or implant-related findings.

MRI itself doesn’t typically cause a rash. Rarely, gadolinium contrast can trigger allergic-type skin reactions. Contact dermatitis may result from adhesives, antiseptics, or pads used during the scan. Very rarely, people with severe kidney disease can develop skin changes linked to gadolinium exposure. Report any rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, or spreading redness to staff or your doctor promptly.

In India, an MRI lumbar spine typically costs about Rs 1,500–15,000. Non‑contrast scans at smaller centers usually range Rs 1,500–6,000; higher‑end 1.5T/3T machines or contrast studies can cost Rs 6,000–15,000 or more. Final price depends on city, machine strength, contrast use, and whether it’s a government hospital or private diagnostic center.

Yes — for a lumbar MRI you usually lie on your back (supine) on the scanner table, often with a cushion under your knees and a coil placed over the lower back. You’ll go in feet‑first, must lie very still, and the scan can be noisy. In some cases a prone or alternate position is used for specific clinical needs.

Yes. Lumbar MRI can detect structural causes of nerve injury—herniated discs, spinal stenosis, fractures, tumors, or inflammation—and may show nerve-root compression, swelling or signal changes and contrast enhancement suggesting irritation. However, MRI depicts anatomy and structural damage, not microscopic or functional deficits; electromyography/nerve-conduction studies are often needed to confirm functional nerve damage and chronicity.

Be concerned if an MRI shows a new or enlarging mass, acute bleeding, hydrocephalus, or contrast‑enhancing lesions, or if findings match worsening neurological signs—sudden weakness, numbness, vision or speech changes, seizures, severe headache, fever, or neck stiffness. Rapid change from prior scans also warrants attention. Contact your physician promptly; seek emergency care for sudden or severe symptoms.