If you have an issue with your back, a Spine X-Ray is one of the first tests a doctor will order to determine what is wrong. Spine X-Rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of the spine — showing bones, organs, and internal tissues through degrees of light and dark — and can detect a large range of conditions, from bone injuries to tumours.
The spine is a large region, so multiple X-Rays may be needed to capture it fully. It is divided into four regions:
* Cervical spine: The upper spine, consisting of seven vertebrae and parts of the neck.
* Thoracic spine: The middle part of the spine, with vertebrae attached to the rib cage.
* Lumbar spine: The lower part of the spine, consisting of five vertebrae.
* Sacrum/coccyx: The very base of the spine, where five fused bones meet four small bones of the tailbone.
During a Spine X-Ray, beams pass through your body and produce a black, white, and grey image on a computer or film. Dense structures such as bones appear white, as they allow less beam to pass through. Soft tissues appear grey or darker, as they allow more beam through.
This contrast allows a radiologist to clearly identify what is present in your spine. A fracture, for example, will appear as a dark line across the white image of a bone. Tumours or other abnormalities will also show up as irregular matter. If an abnormality is detected, further tests will usually be ordered to determine the exact cause and severity of the condition.
If you have pain, discomfort, or notice something unusual with your spine, a Spine X-Ray is usually one of the first tests a doctor will order — particularly following a physical examination or an injury that may have affected the spinal area.
Spine X-Rays are also used to monitor progress. For example, if a patient is receiving treatment for scoliosis, an X-Ray may be ordered to check whether the treatment is working effectively.
You may be referred for a Spine X-Ray if you are experiencing: neck pain or discomfort; upper, middle, or lower back pain or discomfort; an injury affecting the back; or if a condition such as scoliosis or arthritis is suspected.
Conditions a Spine X-Ray can help diagnose include: broken bones; fractures; spondylolisthesis; tumours; degeneration of the discs; arthritis; infections; bone spurs; and scoliosis.
A Spine X-Ray is a non-invasive test, so very little preparation is required. Before your appointment, remove all metal objects — including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hairpins, piercings, and hearing aids. Metal objects will obstruct the imaging and prevent the technician from seeing the bones and soft tissues clearly. If you have an implanted metal device such as a hearing implant or pacemaker, inform your technician before the X-Ray begins.
It is also worth noting that hairspray and some cosmetics can contain metal particles — avoid using these before your appointment.
On arrival, a nurse or technician will provide you with a hospital gown to change into. You will then be asked to lie on an exam table with an X-Ray machine positioned above you. The technician will position you appropriately for the images required, and other parts of your body will often be covered with a lead mat to block radiation exposure.
The technician will then move to a computer behind a screen or into an adjoining room to take the images. It is important to remain completely still, as any movement can blur the results. Several images may be required, so the technician may return a few times to adjust your position and capture all necessary angles.
Once imaging is complete, the technician will check the images for any blurring before confirming you are free to leave. You will be informed of when your results will be ready.
After the scan, you should feel completely normal and can go about your day as usual. X-Rays are generally processed quickly — in most cases, results are available the same day. You can then make an appointment with your doctor to review the findings.
Non-invasive and painless
A Spine X-Ray does not involve any invasive procedures and causes no discomfort.
Effective diagnostic tool
Very useful in detecting a range of conditions, and particularly effective in identifying broken bones and fractures.
Quick results
X-Rays are processed quickly, with results often available the same day.
Cost-effective
Spine X-Rays are relatively affordable compared to CT scans or MRI scans.
Radiologists specialise in imaging tests and are highly experienced in taking and interpreting X-Rays, ensuring your safety throughout the procedure. While many people are concerned about radiation, humans are exposed to small amounts of radiation in everyday life. The amount emitted during a standard Spine X-Ray is very small — equivalent to the radiation an average person would naturally be exposed to over a 10-day period.
The duration depends on how many positions are required to capture adequate images. Generally, Spine X-Rays are quick, with the imaging typically taking between 10 and 15 minutes.