MRI Lumbar Spine Disc Herniation

One of the most often scanned areas of the body is the lumbar spine.  An MRI of the lumbar spine is most often done to determine if a patient has a herniated disc.  Patients will usually present with low back pain with associated buttock or lower extremity pain.  Don't be alarmed if a patient has a lumbar disc but no apparent low back pain though.  Many patients do not complain of low back pain.  It just depends on which nerves are being compressed.  Routine MRI sequences are T1 and T2 sagitals and T1 and T2 axials.  STIR sagitals will be performed if the patient has had a distinct recent injury.  Here is a website with images and discussion about this:  http://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-HLDisc.htm