So there are four common types of spinal X-rays: Spinal X-rays are also done to check the curve of your spine ( scoliosis) or for spinal defects. These problems may include spinal fractures, infections, dislocations, tumors, bone spurs, or disc disease. They may be taken to find injuries or diseases that affect the discs or joints in your spine. This can make it hard to see the details of the spinal X-ray.Spinal X-rays are pictures of the spine. Barium shows up on X-ray films and can make it hard to get a clear picture. With barium contrast material in the past 4 days. Test or why the results may not be helpful include: But the risk of damage from the X-rays is usually very low compared with theĪ chest X-ray is about equal to the natural radiation exposure received during a round-trip airline flight from Boston to Los Angeles (or Montreal to Vancouver) or 10 days in the Rocky Mountains To cells or tissue from being exposed to any radiation, including the low levels of radiation used for this test. You may find that the positions you need to hold are uncomfortable or painful, especially if you have an injury. The X-ray table may feel hard, and the room may be cool. You will wait about 5 minutes until the X-rays are processed in case more pictures need to be taken. You need to lie very still to avoid blurring the pictures. If the X-ray is being taken because of a possibly serious injury to your neck or back, to prevent causing more injury a radiologist will look at the first X-ray pictures before taking You may beĪllowed to keep on your underwear if it does not get in the way of the test.Īn X-ray table. You will be given a cloth or paper gown to use during the test. You may need to take off some of your clothes, depending on which area is examined. The X-ray pictures are usually read by a doctor who specializes in reading X-rays ( radiologist ). Barium shows up on X-ray films and makes it hard to get a clear picture of the lower back (lumbar spine). Using barium contrast material (such as a barium enema ) in the past 4 days. Spinal X-ray is absolutely necessary, a lead apron will be placed over your belly to shield your baby from the X-rays. The risk of damage from the X-rays is usually very low compared with the potential benefits of the test. The risk of radiation exposure to your unborn baby (fetus) must be considered. Problems present at birth (congenital conditions), such as spina bifida, in infants, children, or young adults. Įffects from other problems, such as infections, tumors, or bone spurs.Ĭurves of the spine, such as scoliosis, in children or young adults. Spine, such as fractures or dislocations.

Check for arthritis of the joints between the vertebrae and the breakdown (degeneration) of the discs between the spinal bones.

X-ray test takes a detailed view of the 5 fused bones at the bottom of the spine (sacrum) and the 4 small bones of the tailbone (coccyx).Ĭervical vertebrae (C-spine films) and lumbosacral vertebrae ( LS -spine films). This X-ray test takes pictures of the 5 bones of the lower back (lumbar vertebrae) and a view of the 5 fused bones at the bottom of the spine (sacrum).

X-ray test takes pictures of the 12 chest (thoracic) bones.

X-ray test takes pictures of the 7 neck (cervical) bones. There are four common types of spinal X-rays: X-rays that pass only through air look black on the picture. Less dense tissues, such as muscles and organs, block fewer of the X-rays (more of the X-rays pass through) and look like X-rays can pass through most objects, including the human body.īones, block (absorb) many of the X-rays and look white on an X-ray picture. X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves, that are focused into a beam, much like a flashlight beam. These problems may include spinal fractures, infections, dislocations, tumors, boneĬurve of your spine ( scoliosis ) or for spinal defects.

Cervical spine x ray normal