Lucent Medical Imaging
SPINE MRI, GLENDALE, CA

Spine MRI in Glendale, California

Cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine imaging on 3 Tesla MRI, for back pain, neck pain, sciatica and nerve symptoms. Radiation-free, with fast turnaround to your physician.

★ 4.9 GOOGLE RATING3 TESLA DETAILSAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS
Spine MRI images on a diagnostic monitor at Lucent Medical Imaging in Glendale, California
CERVICAL · THORACIC · LUMBAR
SPINE IMAGING
30-45 min , radiation-free
30-45 min scan
No radiation
Cervical · Thoracic · Lumbar
Most insurance accepted
The Basics

What is a spine MRI?

A spine MRI images the discs, spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding soft tissue, structures an X-ray simply cannot show. That makes it the standard test for persistent back or neck pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling or weakness.

Scans are performed by region: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar (lower back). At our Glendale center every spine study is acquired on 3 Tesla, so disc and nerve detail is exceptionally crisp.

What We Look For

What a spine MRI can detect.

Herniated and bulging discs
Spinal stenosis
Nerve root compression and sciatica
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal cord compression or injury
Tumors and lesions
Infection or inflammation
Post-surgical changes

Every scan is read by board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologists, with the report sent to your physician within 24-48 hours.

WHY LUCENT

Why choose Lucent for your spine MRI.

3 Tesla clarity

High-field detail for nerve roots, disc margins and subtle cord findings.

AI-enhanced imaging

GE Hero reconstruction shortens scan time, less time lying still with back pain.

Musculoskeletal subspecialists

Fellowship-trained MSK radiologists read every spine study.

What to Expect

Calm, comfortable, clear.

STEP 01

Check In

Arrive 15 minutes early and remove metal, belts and jewelry.

STEP 02

Preparation

MRI safety screening, including any spinal hardware or stimulators.

STEP 03

Your Scan

30-45 minutes lying still with cushioning; contrast is rarely needed.

STEP 04

Results

Report delivered to your physician within 24-48 hours.

We position bolsters under your knees and neck so you can stay comfortable and still, motion is the main cause of repeat scans.

Preparation instructions
Insurance & Booking

Two easy ways to book.

WITH INSURANCE

Verify Insurance & Schedule

Send us your plan details and referral, we confirm your MRI benefits, handle prior authorization and call you back with an appointment time, usually the same day.

Verify Insurance & Schedule
SELF-PAY

Transparent pricing.

No insurance? We publish straightforward self-pay spine MRI pricing with no hidden fees, request a written estimate before you book.

Request a Cost Estimate
Prefer to talk? Call (818) 679-2867
Patient Stories

What our patients say.

“Two years of sciatica and this scan finally showed exactly which nerve was compressed. Surgery went ahead with confidence.”

Elena V.
Elena V.
Lumbar MRI patient

“They padded me so well that lying still for 35 minutes with a bad back was actually fine.”

Robert C.
Robert C.
Cervical MRI patient

“Results were with my orthopedist the next morning. Clear images, clear report, no runaround.”

Maya D.
Maya D.
Spine MRI patient
FAQs

Questions about spine MRI.

X-ray shows bone alignment only. MRI shows the discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, ligaments and soft tissue, which is where most back and neck pain actually originates.
A single region (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) usually takes 30-45 minutes. Multiple regions in one visit take longer.
Most insurance-covered spine MRI exams require a physician referral. Our Glendale team can help you connect with a referring provider.
Yes, most major plans and Medicare cover medically necessary spine MRI. We verify benefits and handle prior authorization before your appointment.
Let us know when booking. Music, headphones, extra time and constant two-way communication make the scan manageable for most patients.
Usually yes. Most modern rods, screws and cages are MRI-safe. Bring your implant card so our safety screening can confirm before your scan.