Spinal X-ray

Back X-Ray, Neck X-Ray, X-Ray, Back, X-Ray, Neck, X-Ray, Spine

Why It Is Done

A spinal X-ray is done to:

• Find the cause of ongoing pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Check for arthritis of the joints between the vertebrae and the breakdown (degeneration) of the discs between the spinal bones.
• Find spinal problems, such as fractures, infections, dislocations, tumours, bone spurs, disc disease, or problems from birth (congenital).
• Check injuries to the spine (vertebrae).
• Check for abnormal curvatures of the spine, such as scoliosis, in children or young adults.
• Check the spine in infants, children, or young adults suspected or known to have a spinal defect, such as spina bifida.
• Check changes in the spine after spinal surgery.

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Author:	Carrie Henley Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: July 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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