Avoid long waiting times for an MRI – get quick answers about your back problems

What is an MRI scan of the back?

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an advanced examination method that provides clear images of bones and soft tissues. MRI is often used to obtain detailed information about the structures of the spine and is an effective method for identifying the causes of pain, numbness, or other neurological symptoms.

What can an MRI of the back detect?

An MRI can provide answers and reveal changes that are not visible on regular X-rays or CT scans. If you experience back pain or other back-related issues, an MRI can detect conditions such as herniated disc , spinal stenosis , vertebral changes, tumors, metastases, and inflammation.

MRI in public healthcare

To undergo an MRI scan within the public healthcare system, you need a referral from a doctor. The referral is then assessed by the radiology department, and certain conditions are prioritized, such as suspected tumors or nerve involvement.

Waiting times can be long

In public healthcare, waiting times for MRI scans can vary from several weeks to months. This is because availability is based on medical prioritization — the doctor assesses whether an MRI is necessary and how urgent each individual case is. For back problems that are not considered acute, waiting times can be long, especially if the doctor recommends trying other treatment options first.

Private MRI – a faster path to answers

If you want to avoid long waiting lists, you can choose to have an MRI privately. At Testmottagningen.se, we offer MRI scans of specific parts of the back for those who want to investigate pain or other issues, such as MRI lumbar spine , MRI thoracic spine , and MRI full spine . For those who do not have pain but wish to undergo a scan for screening purposes, we also offer MRI full body .

Report from a specialist doctor

After your examination, your images are reviewed by a specialist doctor (radiologist) who writes a report on the findings. One of our doctors then reviews the report, provides a medical assessment, and gets back to you with the results and advice on next steps. If any abnormalities are found, we help you move forward – either with a referral to the appropriate healthcare provider or with advice on suitable follow-up.

Benefits of a private MRI

• Fast booking and short waiting time.
• Possibility to have the scan without a referral.
• Clear written report from a radiologist.

When should you seek medical care urgently?

Although back problems are common and most conditions are harmless, there are certain cases that require urgent medical assessment. Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Sudden, severe pain with numbness or weakness in the legs.
• Loss of sensation in the genital area or difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels.
• Fever, weight loss, or a general feeling of being unwell.