No, the procedure is painless, though you must remain still during the scan. The MRI machine can be noisy, but earplugs or headphones are usually provided.

It is typically recommended for diagnosing conditions like chronic lower back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, and other spinal disorders.

Yes, MRI is highly effective in detecting herniated discs, which can cause sciatica by pressing on nearby nerves, leading to pain or numbness in the legs.

Generally, no special preparation is required, but you may need to remove any metal objects like jewelry. If contrast dye is used, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the scan.