Does a lumbar spine MRI show hips?

MRI Chandigarh
Jun 9
2 min read

If you’re dealing with lower back or hip pain, your doctor may recommend an MRI of the lumbar spine. But many people wonder — does this type of MRI also show the hips?

What Does a Lumbar Spine MRI Focus On?

A lumbar spine MRI is specifically designed to examine your lower back area, including the:

Lumbar vertebrae (the bones of your lower spine)
Spinal discs
Spinal cord and nerve roots
Surrounding soft tissues

It’s incredibly useful for diagnosing issues like:

Herniated or bulging discs
Sciatica
Spinal stenosis
Nerve compression
Degenerative disc disease
What Does a Lumbar Spine MRI Focus On?

Will the MRI Also Show My Hips?

Partially, yes. Because the hips are close to the lumbar spine, some parts of the pelvic bones and hip joints may appear in the images, especially the upper portion of the hip bones (iliac crest). However, the focus of the scan is not on the hip joints, so:

The images may not be centered or detailed enough to detect specific hip issues.
If you’re having hip pain, stiffness, or movement issues, a dedicated hip MRI or pelvic MRI is usually more appropriate.
Will the MRI Also Show My Hips?

Why Does It Matter?

Back pain and hip pain can sometimes feel very similar. Problems like sciatica can cause pain that radiates through the hip and down the leg, making it tricky to pinpoint the true source. That’s why clear imaging is important.

Your doctor may start with a lumbar spine MRI if symptoms suggest spinal nerve issues. But if hip-related causes are suspected, they might follow up with a hip MRI for a clearer picture of your joint health, cartilage, muscles, or tendons.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re having:

Pain that radiates from your lower back to your hips
Difficulty walking or sitting for long periods
Hip stiffness or a grinding sensation
Pain while moving your leg outward or inward

Make sure to share all your symptoms. This helps your doctor decide if a lumbar MRI is enough or if you need additional imaging.

Final Thoughts

A lumbar spine MRI can sometimes show parts of your hips, but it’s not the best scan for diagnosing hip-specific issues. If you’re experiencing hip pain or suspect something more than just a back problem, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor. They can guide you on whether additional imaging, like a dedicated hip MRI, is needed for a clearer diagnosis.

If you’re unsure about which scan you need or want to book an appointment, visit MRI Chandigarh for an MRI Scan. Contact us at 8699572364.