Alternate Names: Vertebral radiography; X-ray - spine; Thoracic X-ray; Spine X-ray; Thoracic spine films; Back films

How Performed: The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider’s office by an X-ray technician. You will be asked to lie on the X-ray table and assume various positions. If the X-ray is to determine an injury, care will be taken to prevent further injury. The X-ray machine will be positioned over the thoracic area of the spine. You will be asked to hold your breath as the picture is taken, so that the picture will not be blurry. Usually 3 to 5 pictures are taken.

How To Prepare: Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.

How It Feels: There is no discomfort. The table may be cold.

Risks: There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the X-ray.

Why Performed: The X-ray helps evaluate bone injuries or cartilage loss.

Normal Values: The X-ray will show normal structures for the age of the patient.

Abnormal Results: The abnormalities the test will pick up include fractures, dislocations, thinning of the bone (osteoporosis), and deformities in the curvature of the spine. The test may also detect bone spurs, disc narrowing, and degeneration of the vertebrae.

Cost:

Special Considerations: The X-ray will not detect a number of back problems because these problems involve the muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues, which are not well visually captured on an X-ray.