Question 1

i have a low gfr stage 3. mri has been suggested for me. would i definitely need contrast for lumbar spine issue?

Accepted Answer

It depends: on the "issue" in question.  If it is simply a workup for back paiin, contrast is probably not needed.  If it is a workup for tumor/metastatic disease, or postoperative spine, contrast would be very useful.

Question 2

how long will an mri  with and without contrast take for the area of the brain, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine?

Accepted Answer

MRI Time: The actual procedure for the MRI could take up to approx 45 minutes for each level.  A ct scan takes less time but does expose you to radiation. The MRI does not expose you to radiation.

Question 3

will a ct scan of the lumbar spine post fusion without contrast show pinched nerves or just bone structure and hardware?

Accepted Answer

Limitations: No, a better view of nerve compression will be available if MRI is chosen, but the CAT does reveal nice images of fusion integrity, and surrounding vertebral bodies and foramina.

Question 4

i had a fusion l3-s1 in dec. my nerve pain came back & is worse & my lumbar spine pops. my pcp ordered a ct scan w/o contrast.what could be going on??

Accepted Answer

Need follow up: Looks like surgical complication fom your recent surgery. Ask your PCP re benefit CT vs MRI but surgeons like to do their own imaging if they need to intervene, for which you should schedule a follow up with them ASAP. Feel better!

Question 5

i had a ct scan of my abdomen and pelvis without contrast where mild levoscoliosis was found. there are mild degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. there is mild levoscoliosis. does this condition gets worse over time? im 32 years old?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: In contrast, Scoliosis (spinal curvature) found in early adolescent age often progresses.  By the way, CT scanning is not a good diagnostic tool for scoliosis.

Question 6

i am scheduled to have a ct-myelogram w/contrast. i had a reaction to the contrast material previously. i had a prior reaction. i have a charite artificial disc in my lumbar spine. i have a spinal fusion above and below the disc. l3-l4 are fused with the

Accepted Answer

"Contrast" : "contrast" is a preparation that is used in medical imaging to increase the visual difference between similar or adjacent tissues.  Contrast can be as simple as frothy salt solution, which is useful in some ultrasound studies, or much more complex, such as the gadolinium-containing molecules used for contrast in MRI studies.

Ct contrast contains iodine, an element whose properties block x-rays that are used in the ct scanner.  Common benign responses to iodine-containing contrast includes flushing (a pretty noticeable sense of warmth) and a metallic taste in the mouth.  More profound responses include itching, hives, and swelling in the throat.  These are called "anaphylactoid" reactions.  The risk of anaphylactoid reactions can be reduced with medications like Diphenhydramine and corticosteroids.  These sorts of reactions are common enough that radiologists and radiology technicians can spot them quickly, and all ct scanning suites are equipped to deal with them.

Seafood and topical iodine allergies are not predictors of who will develop an anaphylactoid reaction to ct contrast (although this is a widely-held erroneous belief).

Another response to ct contrast is kidney injury.  The risk of kidney injury might be reduced by things including avoiding certain medications and keeping well-hydrated prior to the procedure.

Concerns regarding reactions to ct contrast are valid, and should be addressed with the physician who orders the test as well as the physician who is responsible for performing the test.

Question 7

any care tips for lumbar spine?

Accepted Answer

Paraspinal Muscles?: Paraspinal muscles position the spine. Keeping these healthy reduces arthritis, disc and nerve (radiculopathy) problems. 
I have severe lumbar arthritis, Not getting surgery. I do core strengthening and flexibility exercises every day. 
Google exercises on core muscular strengthening, low back mobility, hamstring stretching.
Then do the exercises as often as needed. Every day is not too often.

Question 8

what is lumbar spine straightening?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in : The normal curvature of the lower back which places disproportionate amount of force on the lower lumbar disks and joints leading to accelerated degeneration of these structures compared to ones with a normal curvature.

Question 9

how can you tell if your lumbar spine is overlapped ?

Accepted Answer

Overlapped ??: An "overlapping" lumbar spine is not a recognized diagnosis.  Whomever suggested this is likely not a physician.  If you have a symptomatic problem with your lumbar spine see an orthopaedic surgeon or start by seeing your pcp.

Question 10

can you tell me some tips or info on lumbar spine disc problems?

Accepted Answer

Core Exercises: Typically core strengthening exercises are the best to help relieve pressure and forces in the spine.  I would try and google some or look them up on youtube to see descriptions.  If you can do them yourself, wonderful otherwise ask your doctor to get a referral to a good physical therapist for further assistance.

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Doctor answers about:

Mr lumbar spine with contrast

A member asked:

I have a low gfr stage 3. mri has been suggested for me. would i definitely need contrast for lumbar spine issue?

A member asked:

How long will an mri with and without contrast take for the area of the brain, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine?

A member asked:

Will a ct scan of the lumbar spine post fusion without contrast show pinched nerves or just bone structure and hardware?

A member asked:

I had a fusion l3-s1 in dec. my nerve pain came back & is worse & my lumbar spine pops. my pcp ordered a ct scan w/o contrast.what could be going on??

A member asked:

I had a ct scan of my abdomen and pelvis without contrast where mild levoscoliosis was found. there are mild degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. there is mild levoscoliosis. does this condition gets worse over time? im 32 years old?

A member asked:

I am scheduled to have a ct-myelogram w/contrast. i had a reaction to the contrast material previously. i had a prior reaction. i have a charite artificial disc in my lumbar spine. i have a spinal fusion above and below the disc. l3-l4 are fused with the

A member asked:

Any care tips for lumbar spine?

A member asked:

What is lumbar spine straightening?

A member asked:

How can you tell if your lumbar spine is overlapped ?

A member asked:

Can you tell me some tips or info on lumbar spine disc problems?

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