Advanced private Lumbar Spine (Lower Back) MRI scans in Houston.

Three centers across Houston: west by the Galleria, north in Spring, southeast at Clear Lake. No insurance needed.

miraclarity included with every scan

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About lumbar spine (lower back) MRI

A lumbar spine MRI targets the five vertebrae of the lower back (L1-L5), the intervertebral discs, the spinal canal, and the nerve roots that supply the legs and feet. Lower back pain accounts for more disability worldwide than any other condition, and MRI is the most accurate way to find the structural cause. The average hospital charge for a lumbar MRI in Texas exceeds $2,500, and even insured patients commonly face $600-$1,500 in out-of-pocket costs. Mira removes the complexity: $369 flat, no pre-authorization, board-certified radiologist report in 48 hours.

When is a lumbar spine (lower back) MRI recommended?

Your doctor may refer you for an MRI if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or conditions. A physician referral is required for all Houston scans.

Chronic or worsening lower back pain
Sciatica with pain shooting down one or both legs
Disc herniation or disc bulge
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis (forward slippage of a vertebra)
Nerve root compression causing leg weakness
Degenerative disc disease in the lumbar region
Pre-surgical planning for lumbar fusion or decompression

Lumbar Spine (Lower Back) MRI pricing

No hidden fees. No insurance needed. Everything included.

From

$369

Two reports: medical + miraclarityDigital imagesNo insurance neededResults in 48 hours

How this compares

Typical US cost with insurance$800 - $3,000+
Mira cash pay$369
Book your lumbar spine (lower back) MRI

What to expect

Before, during, and after your lumbar spine (lower back) MRI.

Before

  • Upload your doctor's referral via the Mira booking portal
  • No fasting required - eat and drink normally
  • Avoid clothing with metal around the waist (belts, riveted jeans)
  • Pick a 3-hour time block during booking - exact time confirmed within 30 minutes

During

  • You lie flat on your back with a support under your knees if needed
  • The scanner images the lumbar region in multiple planes over 30-45 minutes
  • Loud rhythmic sounds are normal - ear protection is provided
  • Staying still is essential for sharp images of the discs and nerve roots

After

  • Get up and go - no recovery period or activity restrictions
  • A board-certified radiologist reviews all imaging sequences
  • Your report is delivered within 48 hours
  • Bring your results to your spine surgeon, pain management specialist, or PCP
miraclarity

Two reports included with every scan.

A medical report from a board-certified radiologist for your doctor. And a miraclarity report that explains your lumbar spine (lower back) MRI results in plain English with visual guides.

Plain language summary

Every finding explained without clinical jargon.

Visual body guides

See exactly where findings are located.

Severity indicators

Know what is normal and what needs attention.

Recommended next steps

Practical guidance for follow-up.

Included free with every scan. No add-on. No extra cost.

Other scans available in Houston

All scans from $369 with no insurance needed.

Where to get a lumbar spine (lower back) MRI in Houston

Choose the centre closest to you.

Galleria, West Houston

Richmond Ave

Off Richmond Ave, West Houston

Mon-Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm | Sat 9am - 2pm

1.5T Closed MRI | Up to 275 lbs

Spring, North Houston

Spring (Walters Rd)

Off Walters Rd, near Spring

Mon-Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm | Sat 9am - 2pm

Open MRI + High-Field | Up to 350 lbs

Open MRI available

Clear Lake, Southeast

Dickinson

FM 646, Clear Lake (Dickinson)

MRI on Thursdays only

1.5T Open-Bore MRI | Up to 375 lbs

Breast MRI available

Lumbar Spine (Lower Back) MRI questions

A lumbar spine MRI focuses on the lower back (L1-L5). A general spine MRI typically refers to the same region but can also mean the thoracic or cervical spine. Specify your area of concern when booking.

Hospital imaging departments charge $1,500-$4,000. Freestanding centers typically charge $500-$1,200. Mira offers $369 flat.

Yes. Texas requires a physician order. Upload it after scheduling through the Mira portal.

Yes. MRI can reveal disc herniations, stenosis, and bone spurs that compress nerve roots in the lumbar spine, which is the most common cause of sciatica.

Yes. The Spring location has an open MRI option, which is a good choice for patients who feel uncomfortable in traditional closed scanners.

Most patients are scanned within a few days. Choose your 3-hour time window when booking online.

Book your lumbar spine (lower back) MRI in Houston

From $369. No insurance needed. Two reports included with miraclarity.

Lumbar Spine (Lower Back) MRI from $369

No insurance needed

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