NOCISCAN

Quick Links

1. What Is Nociscan?
2. During Your Scan
3. After Your Scan
4. Results Of Your Scan
5. Request A Consultation

Quick Facts

Terminology: Nociscan Lumbar MRI

Approx. procedure time: 60 minutes

Scheduling time: 1-3 days

Best for: Identifying which lumbar discs are the source of chronic low back pain

Low back pain affects millions of people and remains one of the most challenging conditions to diagnose and treat effectively. One of the primary difficulties is determining exactly which structure in the spine is responsible for a patient’s symptoms. Without that clarity, treatment plans can be misdirected, leading to prolonged discomfort and unnecessary procedures.

At The Imaging Center, we are committed to offering the most advanced diagnostic tools available, and NOCISCAN is a reflection of that commitment. By pairing the accessibility of a standard MRI with powerful, evidence-supported software analysis, NOCISCAN gives your care team a clearer picture of what is happening at the disc level of your lower spine. The result is more precise information to support better care decisions.

What is NOCISCAN?

NOCISCAN is a significant advancement in spinal imaging technology. It is the first evidence-supported software platform designed to non-invasively help physicians identify which discs in the spine are the actual source of a patient’s low back pain, and which discs are not.

Using a standard MRI Lumbar exam, NOCISCAN generates individualized biomarker data for each disc in the lower spine. This information gives physicians an objective, data-driven foundation for understanding the characteristics of each disc, allowing for more informed decisions when evaluating the cause of chronic low back pain.

Because NOCISCAN works within a conventional MRI, there is no need for additional equipment, injections, or invasive procedures. It simply transforms the imaging you are already receiving into a richer picture of your spinal health.

During Your Scan

You will lie on a padded table that gently slides into the MRI machine. The scan will focus on the lumbar region of your spine.

The scan typically takes 60 minutes, depending on the number of discs being evaluated.      

It is important to remain as still as possible during the scan to ensure clear, accurate images. One of our MRI Technologists will be in the adjacent room monitoring the process at all times and can communicate with you through an intercom whenever needed. You can alert the team at any point if you feel discomfort or need to pause.

After Your Scan

Once your scan is complete, you are free to resume your normal daily activities immediately. There is no recovery time with NOCISCAN, and no restrictions on driving, eating, or physical activity following the procedure.

Our imaging specialists will process your scan data and prepare a report for your referring physician. The NOCISCAN software analyzes the imaging data and generates individualized biomarker readings for each disc in your lower spine. These readings are compiled alongside your MRI images into a comprehensive report, which is sent directly to your physician, typically within a few days.

Kent 

Radiology Technologist

Kent has been an x-ray tech since 2013 and has been working in CT since 2014. Most of his radiology career, he has been in a hospital working with both pediatrics and adults. Kent is excited for the new challenges that come with CT outside of a hospital setting. He has a positive attitude with an enthusiastic spirit that encourages others to work harder and succeed in what they do. In his free time, Kent enjoys spending time with his wife, 4 kids, and English Shepherd at home. He likes most things summer including camping, fishing, golfing, biking, and going to the beach.

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Results of Your Scan

The results generated by NOCISCAN provide your physician with a level of diagnostic detail that goes beyond what a standard MRI alone can offer. Rather than showing only the structural appearance of your discs, NOCISCAN supplies biomarker data that helps distinguish between discs that are likely contributing to your pain and those that are not.

Low back pain can have multiple potential sources, and identifying the specific disc or discs responsible allows your care team to develop a more targeted treatment approach. NOCISCAN results are often used in conjunction with your physician’s clinical assessment and standard practice.

Your physician will review the NOCISCAN findings and may use them to confirm or refine a diagnosis, guide decisions about care, and avoid unnecessary treatments directed at discs that are not contributing to your symptoms. The results can also help establish a clearer baseline for monitoring changes in your spinal health over time.

Request a Consultation

If you or your physician believe NOCISCAN may be appropriate for your care, The Imaging Center is here to help. Our team works closely with referring physicians to coordinate scans and ensure that patients receive the most relevant imaging for their needs.

To get started, ask your physician to submit a referral directly to The Imaging Center.