Lumbosacral spine x-ray

The test is done in a hospital x-ray department or your health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. You will be asked to lie on the x-ray table in different positions. If the x-ray is being done to diagnose an injury, care will be taken to prevent further injury. The x-ray machine will be placed over the…

Tell your provider if you are pregnant. Take off all jewelry.

There is rarely any discomfort when having an x-ray, although the table may be cold.

Often, your provider will treat a person with low back pain for 4 to 8 weeks before ordering an x-ray. The most common reason for lumbosacral spine x-ray is to look for the cause of low back pain that: Occurs after injury Is severe Does not go away after 4 to 8 weeks Is present in an older person

Lumbosacral spine x-rays may show: Abnormal curves of the spine Abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the lower spine, such as bone spurs and narrowing of the joints between the vertebrae Cancer (although cancer often cannot be seen on this type of x-ray) Fractures Signs of thinning bones ( osteoporosis )…

There is low radiation exposure. X-ray machines are checked often to make sure they are as safe as possible. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women should not be exposed to radiation, if at all possible. Care should be taken before children receive x-rays.

There are some back problems that an x-ray will not find. That is because they involve the muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues. A lumbosacral spine CT or lumbosacral spine MRI are better options for soft tissue problems.

Contreras F, Perez J, Jose J. Imaging overview. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 7. Kapoor G, Toms AP. Current status of imaging of the musculoskeletal system. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds.…