Private Lumbar Spine MRI Reports from UK Consultant Radiologists
Get your lower back MRI formally reported or independently reviewed by a UK consultant radiologist within 24-48 hours. £200 fixed price.* No GP referral needed.
What is a Private Lumbar Spine MRI Report?
A private lumbar spine MRI report is a formal written interpretation of your lower back MRI scan, produced by a consultant radiologist with specialist expertise in spinal imaging. The report describes the condition of each disc level from L1 to S1, identifies any abnormalities affecting the spinal canal, nerve roots, or surrounding structures, and provides clear clinical recommendations.
At Doctorum, lumbar spine MRI reports are produced by GMC-registered consultant radiologists with subspecialty expertise in either neuroradiology or musculoskeletal imaging - the two disciplines most relevant to the lower back. Every radiologist in our network has a minimum of 15 years of post-CCT consultant experience.
Reports are delivered within 24-48 hours by secure encrypted delivery, written clearly so you can share them with your GP, orthopaedic or spinal surgeon, physiotherapist, or insurer.
Who Requests a Private Lumbar Spine MRI Report?
Patients come to Doctorum for many different reasons. These are the most common.
Waiting for an NHS Report
You have already had your scan but are waiting weeks or months for the results to come back through your GP.
Sciatica or Leg Pain
Shooting pain, numbness, or tingling down one or both legs that has not resolved - you want to understand what is causing it.
Second Opinion
You have an existing report but want an independent expert to review your images - perhaps before a decision about surgery or injections.
Still in Pain After a "Normal" Report
Your report came back unremarkable but your symptoms persist. A specialist review can identify subtle findings that may have been missed.
Neurological Symptoms
Foot drop, progressive weakness, or bladder or bowel symptoms that need urgent specialist assessment of the lower spinal cord and cauda equina.
Pre-operative Assessment
Preparing for spinal surgery or a procedure such as a nerve root injection and needing a clear, up-to-date radiological assessment beforehand.
What Your Lumbar Spine Report Covers
A Doctorum lumbar spine MRI report provides a systematic, level-by-level assessment of your lower back.
Disc Levels L1 to S1
Each disc assessed for height loss, degeneration, bulge, herniation (protrusion, extrusion, or sequestration), and annular tears.
Nerve Root Compression
Bilateral assessment of nerve root compression within the spinal canal and at each neural foramen (foraminal stenosis).
Spinal Canal and Thecal Sac
Central canal dimensions, thecal sac compression, and assessment for significant central stenosis at each level.
Facet Joints
Degenerative change, joint space narrowing, synovial cysts, and facet hypertrophy contributing to canal or foraminal narrowing.
Ligamentum Flavum
Thickening or buckling of the ligamentum flavum and its contribution to posterior canal compromise.
Vertebral Alignment
Assessment for spondylolisthesis (slippage), scoliosis, and any evidence of vertebral fracture or instability.
Bone Marrow and End Plates
Vertebral body signal, Modic changes (end plate oedema or fatty change), and any focal bony lesions.
Paraspinal Soft Tissues
Review of the paraspinal muscles, sacroiliac joints, and any incidental soft tissue findings within the imaged field.
Cauda Equina
Assessment of the cauda equina nerve roots, with specific comment on any features relevant to cauda equina syndrome where clinically indicated.
Fixed Price
£200*
All-inclusive private lumbar spine MRI report or second opinion. No hidden fees.
Obtain Your Report* Includes a formal written report and one round of responses to a reasonable number of follow-up questions submitted by email. Prices are correct at the time of publication.
How It Works
Four simple steps from request to report.
Retrieve Your Scan
We guide you through retrieving your lumbar spine MRI images from any hospital or imaging centre in the UK.
Send Us Your Scan
Securely upload your DICOM images via our encrypted portal. It takes only a few minutes.
Expert Review
A UK consultant radiologist with spinal subspecialty expertise reviews every level of your lumbar spine MRI in detail.
Receive Your Report
A clear, comprehensive report delivered securely within 24-48 hours. Shareable with your GP or specialist.
Your Report is in Expert Hands
Lumbar spine MRI reports at Doctorum are assigned to radiologists with subspecialty expertise in spinal or musculoskeletal imaging - never to a generalist covering all modalities.
Dr. Declan Johnson
Consultant Neuroradiologist
One of the UK's leading neuroradiologists. 25+ years at St George's Hospital. Expert in diagnostic and interventional spinal techniques.
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Dr. Faraan Khan
Consultant Neuroradiologist
European Diploma in Neuroradiology. Fellowship across NHNN, Great Ormond Street, and Charing Cross. St George's consultant since 2018.
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Dr. Chintu Gademsetty
Consultant MSK Radiologist
Preeminent musculoskeletal radiologist. Fellowship at Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. Serves at Royal Surrey, Fortius Clinic, and Nuffield Health.
View profileLumbar Spine MRI Report FAQs
Common questions about our private lumbar spine MRI reporting service.
How long does a private lumbar spine MRI report take?
We deliver lumbar spine MRI reports within 24-48 hours of receiving your images. In urgent cases we can sometimes deliver faster - just let us know when you make contact.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can request a private lumbar spine MRI report or second opinion directly from Doctorum without going through your GP first.
What is the difference between a disc bulge and a disc herniation?
A disc bulge is a broad-based, diffuse outward extension of the disc, while a herniation (protrusion or extrusion) is a more focal displacement of disc material through the annular wall. Your Doctorum report will clearly describe the type, level, and clinical significance of any disc pathology, including its relationship to the adjacent nerve roots.
My report says "no significant abnormality" but I am still in pain - can Doctorum help?
Yes. This is one of the most common reasons patients come to Doctorum. Subtle findings - such as mild foraminal stenosis, early Modic end plate changes, or a small far-lateral disc protrusion - can sometimes be under-reported in a busy setting. A specialist second opinion on the same images can provide a much more granular assessment.
Can I get a second opinion on an existing lumbar spine MRI report?
Absolutely. Independent second opinions on lumbar spine MRI are one of Doctorum's core services. You will receive a fresh specialist review at the same fixed price of £200.
How do I send my lumbar spine MRI images to Doctorum?
We provide a secure encrypted upload link for your DICOM images. If you do not yet have your images, we can guide you on how to request them from your NHS hospital or private imaging centre - it is usually straightforward and most hospitals will provide them on request.
* Includes a formal written report and one round of responses to a reasonable number of follow-up questions submitted by email. Prices are correct at the time of publication.
Ready to Get Your Lumbar Spine MRI Report?
Get in touch with our team today - we will guide you through the process from start to finish.