What do lumbar x rays show

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 lower part of your spine. You will be asked to hold your breath as the picture is taken so that the image will not be blurry. In most cases, 3 to 5 pictures are taken. There is rarely any discomfort when having an x-ray, although the table may be cold. Often, the 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:. Though some of these findings may be seen on an x-ray, they are not always the cause of back pain. Many problems in the spine cannot be diagnosed using a lumbosacral x-ray, including:. There is low radiation exposure. X-ray machines are checked often to make sure they are as safe as possible. The most common reason for lumbosacral spine x-ray is to look for the cause of low back pain that:.

Though some of these findings may be seen on an x-ray, they are not always the cause of back pain. 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. Imaging techniques and fundamental observations for the musculoskeletal system. Imaging overview.

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap 7. Degenerative disease of the spine. Scoliosis and kyphosis. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap In fact, those tests can lead to additional procedures that complicate recovery.

For example, one large study of people with back pain found that those who had imaging tests soon after reporting the problem fared no better and sometimes did worse than people who took simple steps like applying heat, staying active, and taking an over-the-counter OTC pain reliever. X-rays and CT scans expose you to radiation, which can increase cancer risk.

While back x-rays deliver less radiation, they still can give 75 times more radiation than a chest x-ray. Furthermore, the tests often reveal spinal abnormalities that could be completely unrelated to the pain. They may order additional imaging scans, blood tests, or other tests to help make an accurate diagnosis.

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