Background There are no available local data regarding normal dimensions of the lumbar spine. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a useful imaging method for the evaluation of spinal anatomy. Objective To evaluate normal dimensions of spinal canal, vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs. Methods This study was carried out on a total of 106 asymptomatic healthy Kurdish volunteers using a 1.5 Tesla MRI system in the imaging centre of Sulaimani Teaching Hospital. Results The mean midsagittal diameters of the lumbar bony spinal canal were 16.59 mm, 15.53 mm, 14.88 mm, 15.04 mm and 15.95 mm respectively. The mean intervertebral disc heights were 8.37 mm, 9.64 mm, 10.71 mm, 11.44 mm and 10.56 mm respectively. Conclusion The midsagittal spinal canal diameter is larger than that reported by other researchers in the neighboring countries.