Spinal X-ray: What To Think About
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What To Think About
- Sometimes your X-ray results may be different because you were tested at a different medical center or earlier test results are not available to compare to the new test findings.
- The most common causes of low back pain, such as strained back muscles or ligaments, do not show up on a spinal X-ray.
- Other tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a myelogram, provide more information about the spinal bones, joints, nerves, discs, muscles, and ligaments than a spinal X-ray. See the medical tests Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Spine, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine, and Myelogram.
- Spinal X-rays have been used by some employers to screen healthy people for possible future back problems. But most health professionals do not believe that this is appropriate. If a potential employer wants you to have a spinal X-ray before you can start working, you may want first to discuss the matter with the employer and your doctor.
| Last updated: | April 24, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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