MRI examinations of the lumbar spine are divided into two main categories. One is the plain MRI of the lumbar spine, which generally costs about$800, and the other is the MRI-enhanced scan of the lumbar spine, which costs about$2,000. MRI-enhanced scans can determine local conditions more accurately. MRI of the lumbar spine can detect any obvious tumors, disc herniation or other inflammatory lesions. It takes about 20 minutes to perform a lumbar spine MRI. It is necessary to prohibit immobility during the examination, otherwise the images may not be clear and normal observation may be affected. There should be no metal or pacemakers in the body of the lumbar spine MRI, or else danger will occur.