Most people experience lower back pain at some point. Often, it goes away with rest, gentle exercise, or simple medication. But when back pain lingers for more than a few weeks, it can begin to affect your quality of life—making daily activities difficult and sleep uncomfortable.

At Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, we regularly see patients who have tried everything—yet their back pain remains. In such cases, a spine MRI can be the next step to finding out what’s truly going on inside the spine.

What Is a Spine MRI and Why Might You Need One?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a powerful, non-invasive imaging test that gives doctors a highly detailed look at your spine—including discs, nerves, joints, and spinal cord—without using any radiation.

A spine MRI may be recommended if you have:

• Lower back pain that lasts longer than 6 weeks
• Pain radiating down the leg (sciatica)
• Tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness
• Unexplained bladder or bowel issues
• No improvement with physiotherapy or medication

The goal of an MRI is to accurately diagnose the cause of your pain, whether it’s a herniated disc, nerve compression, spinal stenosis, infection, or other condition—so that the most appropriate treatment can begin.

What Happens During the MRI?

The MRI scan is done while you lie still inside the machine. It takes about 20–40 minutes, is completely painless, and doesn’t require any recovery time afterward. The machine can be loud, but headphones or earplugs are provided. If you’re anxious or claustrophobic, the team at DRHC Dubai can offer support and calming options to make the experience as easy as possible.

MRI Helps Identify the Problem, So You Can Treat It Correctly

When conservative treatments like rest, medication, or physical therapy don’t bring relief, a spine MRI gives your doctor valuable insight. Once the true cause is identified, treatment may include:

• Targeted physiotherapy
• Spinal injections
• Nerve root blocks
• Minimally invasive surgery (only if necessary)

At DRHC, our spine specialists always aim for non-surgical solutions first and only recommend surgery when it is the safest and most effective option.

Do You Need an MRI Right Away?

Not necessarily. Many cases of back pain improve without imaging. Your doctor may recommend a spine MRI only if:

• Pain has persisted despite 4–6 weeks of conservative treatment
• There are neurological symptoms (like leg weakness or numbness)
• There are concerns about a more serious condition

At DRHC Dubai, every imaging decision is made based on clinical necessity, not routine. We believe in personalized care, guided by your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.

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