Tests and Diagnosis

Understanding Your Test Results (Overview)

What Stenosis Looks Like on MRI

MRI can show how narrow the spinal canal has become.

The following MRI images show the difference between a normal spinal canal and one with stenosis. In a normal spine, the bright white cerebrospinal fluid fills the spinal canal with plenty of room. In stenosis, the canal is narrowed.

Normal Stenosis
MRI sagittal view of a normal lumbar spine MRI sagittal view showing lumbar spinal stenosis

These are illustrative images, not actual MRI scans.

An Important Point

Narrowing on imaging does not equal severity of symptoms.

Some people have significant narrowing on MRI but no symptoms. Others have only mild narrowing yet experience severe symptoms.

Imaging alone does not determine your treatment plan. Your doctor considers both your symptoms and your imaging findings together.