Spinal X-Ray

• Sometimes your X-ray results may be different because you were tested at a different medical center or because earlier test results are not available to compare to the new test findings.
• The most common causes of low back pain, such as strained back muscles or ligaments, do not show up on a spinal X-ray.
• Other tests, such as a Reference CT scan Opens New Window, an Reference MRI Opens New Window, or a Reference myelogram Opens New Window, provide more information about the spinal bones, joints, nerves, discs, muscles, and ligaments than a spinal X-ray. For more information, see the topics Reference Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Spine, Reference Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine, and Reference Myelogram.
• Spinal X-rays have been used by some employers to screen healthy people for possible future back problems. But most health professionals do not believe that this is appropriate. If a potential employer wants you to have a spinal X-ray before you can start working, you may want first to discuss the matter with the employer and your doctor.

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