Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take pictures of the spine. For this scanning, which usually takes 30-60 minutes, the patient lies on a table that slides into the MRI and the pictures are taken.

MRI scans can find a number of back problems like a rupture of the discs that work as cushions between bones in the spine, sciatica in which discs press on nerves, a narrowing of the spine called stenosis, tumors, cancer, fractures, joint inflammation, bone loss, and infection.

The procedure’s price varies a lot as it can be done in a number of settings – like an imaging center or a hospital outpatient department.  MRIs are more expensive than most other ways to take scans like an x-ray, an ultrasound, or CT scan but each of these imaging technologies are well-suited to different health problems so the best approach depends on your back pain history.

These are 2023 prices.  Use the link below to see if you can get a current, personalized cost estimate from your health insurer.