Spinal cord injuries can be caused by damage to the vertebrae, ligaments, discs, or the spinal cord itself. Traumatic spinal cord injuries typically occur as a result of a sudden and severe blow to the spine, which can lead to various forms of damage.

Injuries to the lumbar spine often involve ligamentous injuries and herniations of the discs. These injuries can occur in various sports as well as in everyday life.

When treating this condition, it is often beneficial to consult with a local massage therapist to address muscle tension, a personal trainer to improve muscle strength, and a physiotherapist for release and conditioning exercises.

In diagnosing disc herniations and evaluating their impact on nerve roots, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is considered the best imaging modality. While disc herniations can also be seen with CT (Computed Tomography), the exact relationship to the nerve roots or spinal cord higher up in the spine cannot be determined as accurately as with an MRI.

MRI provides greater detail and allows for a closer examination of the soft tissues. CT scans are useful for visualizing the bones and identifying potential spinal fractures, but they do not provide the same level of detail for soft tissues, particularly in the lower lumbar spine where artifacts can be more pronounced.

One of the key advantages of MRI is its ability to visualize the anatomy in multiple planes. This allows surgeons to assess the degree of compression on nerve roots and make informed decisions about the need for surgical intervention versus conservative management for disc herniations.

If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding lumbar spine MRI, it is recommended to consult your family doctor or an imaging center. They will be able to provide further guidance and address any queries you may have.

The local Chiropractors are in good standing with the College of Chiropractic Association of Canada Keywords: What Causes Sciatic Pain of the Low Back,  Back Pain and Problems from Sitting, Common Cycling and Back Pain Injuries, Neck Pain, How Pilates Can Help With Back Pain, How Core Stability of the Ankle, Leg Length Discrepancy.

The local Registered Massage Therapists are in good standing with the Canadian Massage Therapist Association of Canada