MRI Lumbar Spine Scan
An MRI of the lumbar spine is the investigation of choice for lower back pain with leg symptoms — sciatica, numbness, weakness, or bladder changes. It shows discs, nerve roots, and the spinal canal with the detail needed to guide injection therapy, surgery, or conservative management.
Written by the MyScanHub content team2 minutes reading time
From
£295
All-inclusive. Consultant-reported within 3 working days.
- Consultant radiologists
- CQC registered
- GDPR compliant
- Report in 3 working days
What is an MRI Lumbar Spine Scan?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses powerful magnets and radiofrequency waves — with no ionising radiation — to create high-resolution cross-sectional images.
An MRI Lumbar Spine Scan allows your radiologist to examine:
- Detailed soft-tissue anatomy
- Bone marrow and joint surfaces
- Vascular structures and blood flow
- Fluid collections and inflammation
- Tendons, ligaments, and cartilage
MRI offers unmatched soft-tissue contrast and is widely used in specialist care for diagnosing and following-up disease of the lumbar spine (lower back).
Is this scan right for you?
Common reasons for having this scan include:
- Persistent pain not responding to conservative treatment
- Swelling, stiffness, or restricted movement
- Weakness, numbness, or pins and needles
- Post-injury symptoms that aren't resolving
- Pre-operative assessment before surgery
What an MRI Lumbar Spine Scan can find
MRI can identify:
- Disc herniation and sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
- Cauda equina compression
- Spondylolisthesis
- Facet joint arthritis
Preparing for your MRI Lumbar Spine Scan
On the day of your scan:
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal zips or fasteners
- Remove jewellery, hairpins, watches, and glasses
- No eating or drinking restrictions unless advised otherwise
- Complete the MRI safety questionnaire sent by email
- Bring any previous imaging, reports, or referring clinician letters
Please notify the team if:
- You have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or any cardiac device
- You have metallic implants, clips, stents, or coils
- You have had any surgery in the last 6 weeks
- You have metal fragments in your eyes or body (e.g. from injury)
- You are pregnant or might be pregnant
- You experience anxiety, panic, or claustrophobia in enclosed spaces
Your report
Every MRI at MyScanHub is reported by a GMC-registered consultant radiologist. Your written report is delivered securely to your patient portal within 3 working days.
You can download the report and your images from your patient account to share with your GP, physiotherapist or specialist, or add a GP consultation to talk the findings through. How to open and share your results.
Why consider a private MRI scan for the lumbar spine (lower back)?
When you need answers quickly — or when prior imaging has been inconclusive — a private MRI at MyScanHub gives you timely access and specialist reporting without the wait.
Private scan benefits include:
- Fast access — same-day or next-day appointments, no waiting list
- Consultant radiologist report within 3 working days
- Fully-private, CQC-registered, GDPR-compliant imaging centre
- Secure online access to your report and images, easy to share with your GP or specialist
Smarter scanning. Proactive health. Peace of mind.
Step 1
Choose
Pick a scan or a programme. No GP referral required.
Step 2
Book
Select a time online — same-day availability most weekdays.
Step 3
Scan
Be seen by consultants at our Dartford, Kent imaging centre.
Step 4
Results
Consultant-led report within 3 working days, accessible online.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No — MyScanHub accepts self-referral for most scans. Our consultant radiologists review every case. Some scans (e.g. contrast studies) do need a referring clinician; we'll let you know at booking.
When will I get my report?
Written reports from a GMC-registered consultant radiologist are delivered within 3 working days of your scan, often sooner. You can access the report — and the imaging — through your patient account at myscanhub.com.
Where is the clinic?
Our imaging centre is at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford, Kent (DA9 9ST), in the Guildhall Outer Car Park — free parking, a few minutes from junction 2 of the M25 and the A2. We're open Monday to Saturday 8am–9pm and Sunday 10am–5pm. Full directions are sent with your booking confirmation.
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Ready to book your MRI Lumbar Spine Scan?
Book online in minutes. Same-day and next-day slots available most weekdays in Dartford, Kent. Consultant-reported within 3 working days.
At our clinic in Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford: free parking, open seven days. How to find us · All private MRI scans in Dartford & Kent