Spine X-ray

The spine is broken up into several specific areas depending on the location.

• Cervical spine (7 vertebrae in the neck),
• Thoracic spine (12 vertebrae in the upper back),
• Lumbar spine (5 vertebrae in the lower back),
• Sacral (5 fused vertebrae in the bottom),
• Coccyx (tailbone).

The main reasons for an x-ray of the spine are:

• Investigate a cause of back or neck pain,
• Diagnose any fractures or broken bones,
• Diagnoses arthritis,
• Diagnose spondylolisthesis (the dislocation or slipping),
• Diagnose degeneration of the disks,
• Diagnose tumours,
• Diagnose abnormalities in the alignment of the spine (kyphosis or scoliosis).

There may be other reasons your doctor has referred you for an x-ray of the spine that is not listed above.

It is important to inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant BEFORE the test is performed. The examination may not be appropriate or special considerations or precautions might need to be taken.

You will either be laying or standing between the plate and x-ray machine at the level of interest. For example, if the image is to be taken at the lumbar area of the spine than the lower back will be positioned on the plate. A few different views may need to be taken in order to review all aspects of the spine. It is extremely important to remain still during the pictures to ensure your pictures are clear.

For safety reasons there cannot be anyone in the room during the x-ray and relatives must wait outside. A staff member will be behind the glass window a short distance away watching the patient at all times during the scan should there be any concerns.