Spine X-Rays

X-rays are often the first imaging test for neck or back pain, and they are a routine part of follow-up after spine surgery. They are quick, inexpensive and show something MRI and CT cannot: how your spine lines up and moves while you are standing.

An X-ray uses a small burst of radiation to take a picture of your bones. Dr. Grunch commonly orders three kinds of spine X-rays:

• Standard views from the front and side, to check alignment, disc height, arthritis and fractures.
• Flexion-extension views, taken while you bend forward and then lean back, to see whether any bones slide too much with movement.
• Full-spine standing (scoliosis) films, one long picture of your whole spine from skull to pelvis, to measure curves and overall balance.

Spine X-rays show:

• Spondylolisthesis (a slipped vertebra) and spinal instability
• Scoliosis, kyphosis, flatback and sagittal imbalance
• Compression fractures and the height of the vertebrae over time
• Disc space narrowing and bone spurs
• The position of screws, rods and implants after surgery, and whether a fusion is healing

Because you stand for X-rays, they show how your spine carries weight. Some problems, like a slip that only appears when you bend, never show up on an MRI taken lying down.

• No special preparation is needed. Eat and take your medicines as usual.
• Wear comfortable clothes without metal, or you may be given a gown.
• Remove jewelry and anything metal near the area being imaged.
• Tell the technologist if you might be pregnant.

You will stand or lie in front of the X-ray plate and hold still for a few seconds for each picture. For flexion-extension views, you bend forward and lean back as far as is comfortable. The whole visit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

There are no restrictions afterward. Dr. Grunch often reviews X-rays at your office visit the same day. After surgery, X-rays at follow-up visits let her track healing and the position of your hardware.

Spine X-rays use a very small amount of radiation. A full-spine standing film uses a little more but is still a low dose. X-rays are generally avoided during pregnancy unless they are truly needed.

Why do I need X-rays if I already had an MRI?

An MRI is taken lying down and does not show how your spine lines up when you stand or bend. X-rays show alignment, movement between the bones and the position of any hardware.

What are flexion-extension X-rays?

They are side-view X-rays taken while you bend forward and lean back. They show whether a vertebra slides too much with movement, which is a sign of instability.

Why do I need X-rays at every visit after surgery?

Follow-up X-rays let Dr. Grunch check that your fusion is healing and your screws, rods or implants are staying in good position.

If Dr. Grunch has ordered spine X-rays for you and you have questions, call 470-293-9800 or contact us. You can also ask general questions any time through our “Ask Us Anything” chat. For questions about scheduling, cost or arrival time for the test itself, call the imaging center where it is booked.

Related: All imaging and diagnostic tests · Spondylolisthesis · Adult scoliosis

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace individualized care from a licensed physician. Please talk to your provider about your symptoms and follow the instructions from your imaging center.