BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuLumbosacral spine x-rayX-ray - lumbosacral spine; X-ray - lower spineA lumbosacral spine x-ray is a picture of the small bones (vertebrae) in the lower part of the spine. This area includes the lumbar region and the sacrum, the area that connects the spine to the pelvis.x-rayX-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article How the Test is Performed The test is done in a hospital x-ray department or your health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. You will be asked to lie on the x-ray table in different positions. If the x-ray is being done to diagnose an injury, care will be taken to prevent further injury.The x-ray machine will be placed over the lower part of your spine. You will be asked to hold your breath as the picture is taken so that the image will not be blurry. In most cases, 3 to 5 pictures are taken. How to Prepare for the Test Tell your provider if you are pregnant. Take off all jewelry. How the Test will Feel There is rarely any discomfort when having an x-ray, although the table may be cold. Why the Test is Performed Often, your provider will treat a person with low back pain for 4 to 8 weeks before ordering an x-ray.The most common reason for lumbosacral spine x-ray is to look for the cause of low back pain that:Occurs after injury Is severe Does not go away after 4 to 8 weeks Is present in an older person What Abnormal Results Mean Lumbosacral spine x-rays may show:Abnormal curves of the spine Abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the lower spine, such as bone spurs and narrowing of the joints between the vertebrae Cancer (although cancer often cannot be seen on this type of x-ray) Fractures FracturesCompression fractures of the back are broken vertebrae. Vertebrae are the bones of the spine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Signs of thinning bones (osteoporosis) OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spondylolisthesis, in which a bone (vertebra) in the lower part of the spine slips out of the proper position onto the bone below it SpondylolisthesisSpondylolisthesis is a condition in which a bone (vertebra) in the spine moves forward out of the proper position onto the bone below it.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Though some of these findings may be seen on an x-ray, they are not always the cause of back pain. Many problems in the spine cannot be diagnosed using a lumbosacral x-ray, including:Sciatica SciaticaSciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symp...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Slipped or herniated disc Slipped or herniated discA herniated (slipped) disk occurs when all or part of a disk is forced through a weakened part of the disk. This may place pressure on nearby nerves...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spinal stenosis - narrowing of the spinal column Spinal stenosisSpinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal cord, or narrowing of the openings (called neural foramina) wher...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Risks There is low radiation exposure. X-ray machines are checked often to make sure they are as safe as possible. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.Pregnant women should not be exposed to radiation, if at all possible. Care should be taken before children receive x-rays. Considerations There are some back problems that an x-ray will not find. That is because they involve the muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues. A lumbosacral spine CT or lumbosacral spine MRI are better options for soft tissue problems.Open ReferencesReferencesContreras F, Perez J, Jose J. Imaging overview. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 7.Kapoor G, Toms AP. Current status of imaging of the musculoskeletal system. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 38.Parizel PM, Van Thielen T, van den Hauwe L, Van Goethem JW. Degenerative disease of the spine. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 48.Warner WC, Sawyer JR. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 44.AllVideoImagesTogSkeletal spine - illustration The spine is divided into several sections. The cervical vertebrae make up the neck. The thoracic vertebrae comprise the chest section and have ribs attached. The lumbar vertebrae are the remaining vertebrae below the last thoracic bone and the top of the sacrum. The sacral vertebrae are caged within the bones of the pelvis, and the coccyx represents the terminal vertebrae or vestigial tail.Skeletal spineillustrationVertebra, lumbar (low back) - illustration These are the five vertebra of the lower back. The last vertebra (on the upper left of the picture) attaches to the sacrum, and the top vertebra (on the right of the picture) attaches to the thoracic section of the back. The vertebra are broader and stronger than the other bones in the spine. This allows them to absorb the added pressure applied to the lower back, but this area remains a common site of injury. The vertebra are numbered from one to five and are labeled L1, L2, L3 etc. from the higher bones to the lower.Vertebra, lumbar (low back)illustrationVertebra, thoracic (mid back) - illustration These are twelve vertebra of the mid back. The last vertebra (on the left side of the picture) attaches to the lumbar (lower) spine, and the top vertebra (on the right) attaches to the cervical (neck) section of the back. The vertebra are broader and stronger than the cervical bones. This allows them to absorb the added pressure applied to the mid back, but they remain a common sight of injury. The vertebra are numbered from one to twelve and labeled T1, T2, T3, et cetera, from the upper most bones to the lowest.Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)illustrationVertebral column - illustration This is the spine and the sacrum with the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) vertebra. Notice how the appearance of the vertebra change as you look down the spine. The change in shape and size reflect the different functions of the neck, mid-back, and lower back.Vertebral columnillustrationSacrum - illustration The sacrum is a shield-shaped bony structure that is located at the base of the lumbar vertebrae and that is connected to the pelvis. The sacrum forms the posterior pelvic wall and strengthens and stabilizes the pelvis. Joined at the very end of the sacrum are two to four tiny, partially fused vertebrae known as the coccyx or tail bone. The coccyx provides slight support for the pelvic organs but actually is a bone of little use.SacrumillustrationPosterior spinal anatomy - illustration The vertebral column is divided into the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar region. It provides structural support for the trunk and surrounds and protects the spinal cord. The vertebral column also provides attachment points for the muscles of the back and ribs.Posterior spinal anatomyillustrationSkeletal spine - illustration The spine is divided into several sections. The cervical vertebrae make up the neck. The thoracic vertebrae comprise the chest section and have ribs attached. The lumbar vertebrae are the remaining vertebrae below the last thoracic bone and the top of the sacrum. The sacral vertebrae are caged within the bones of the pelvis, and the coccyx represents the terminal vertebrae or vestigial tail.Skeletal spineillustrationVertebra, lumbar (low back) - illustration These are the five vertebra of the lower back. The last vertebra (on the upper left of the picture) attaches to the sacrum, and the top vertebra (on the right of the picture) attaches to the thoracic section of the back. The vertebra are broader and stronger than the other bones in the spine. This allows them to absorb the added pressure applied to the lower back, but this area remains a common site of injury. The vertebra are numbered from one to five and are labeled L1, L2, L3 etc. from the higher bones to the lower.Vertebra, lumbar (low back)illustrationVertebra, thoracic (mid back) - illustration These are twelve vertebra of the mid back. The last vertebra (on the left side of the picture) attaches to the lumbar (lower) spine, and the top vertebra (on the right) attaches to the cervical (neck) section of the back. The vertebra are broader and stronger than the cervical bones. This allows them to absorb the added pressure applied to the mid back, but they remain a common sight of injury. The vertebra are numbered from one to twelve and labeled T1, T2, T3, et cetera, from the upper most bones to the lowest.Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)illustrationVertebral column - illustration This is the spine and the sacrum with the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) vertebra. Notice how the appearance of the vertebra change as you look down the spine. The change in shape and size reflect the different functions of the neck, mid-back, and lower back.Vertebral columnillustrationSacrum - illustration The sacrum is a shield-shaped bony structure that is located at the base of the lumbar vertebrae and that is connected to the pelvis. The sacrum forms the posterior pelvic wall and strengthens and stabilizes the pelvis. Joined at the very end of the sacrum are two to four tiny, partially fused vertebrae known as the coccyx or tail bone. The coccyx provides slight support for the pelvic organs but actually is a bone of little use.SacrumillustrationPosterior spinal anatomy - illustration The vertebral column is divided into the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar region. It provides structural support for the trunk and surrounds and protects the spinal cord. The vertebral column also provides attachment points for the muscles of the back and ribs.Posterior spinal anatomyillustration Tests for Lumbosacral spine x-ray Lumbosacral spine x-rayLumbosacral spine CTX-rayRelated Information X-ray(Medical Test)Numbness and tingling(Symptoms)Weakness(Symptoms)Broken bone(Injury)Osteoporosis(Condition)Herniated disk(Condition)Back pain and sciatica - InDepth(In-Depth)Osteoporosis - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/27/2023 Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. 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Lumbosacral spine x-rayX-ray - lumbosacral spine; X-ray - lower spineA lumbosacral spine x-ray is a picture of the small bones (vertebrae) in the lower part of the spine. This area includes the lumbar region and the sacrum, the area that connects the spine to the pelvis.x-rayX-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article How the Test is Performed The test is done in a hospital x-ray department or your health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. You will be asked to lie on the x-ray table in different positions. If the x-ray is being done to diagnose an injury, care will be taken to prevent further injury.The x-ray machine will be placed over the lower part of your spine. You will be asked to hold your breath as the picture is taken so that the image will not be blurry. In most cases, 3 to 5 pictures are taken. How to Prepare for the Test Tell your provider if you are pregnant. Take off all jewelry. How the Test will Feel There is rarely any discomfort when having an x-ray, although the table may be cold. Why the Test is Performed Often, your provider will treat a person with low back pain for 4 to 8 weeks before ordering an x-ray.The most common reason for lumbosacral spine x-ray is to look for the cause of low back pain that:Occurs after injury Is severe Does not go away after 4 to 8 weeks Is present in an older person What Abnormal Results Mean Lumbosacral spine x-rays may show:Abnormal curves of the spine Abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the lower spine, such as bone spurs and narrowing of the joints between the vertebrae Cancer (although cancer often cannot be seen on this type of x-ray) Fractures FracturesCompression fractures of the back are broken vertebrae. Vertebrae are the bones of the spine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Signs of thinning bones (osteoporosis) OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spondylolisthesis, in which a bone (vertebra) in the lower part of the spine slips out of the proper position onto the bone below it SpondylolisthesisSpondylolisthesis is a condition in which a bone (vertebra) in the spine moves forward out of the proper position onto the bone below it.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Though some of these findings may be seen on an x-ray, they are not always the cause of back pain. Many problems in the spine cannot be diagnosed using a lumbosacral x-ray, including:Sciatica SciaticaSciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symp...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Slipped or herniated disc Slipped or herniated discA herniated (slipped) disk occurs when all or part of a disk is forced through a weakened part of the disk. This may place pressure on nearby nerves...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spinal stenosis - narrowing of the spinal column Spinal stenosisSpinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal cord, or narrowing of the openings (called neural foramina) wher...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Risks There is low radiation exposure. X-ray machines are checked often to make sure they are as safe as possible. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.Pregnant women should not be exposed to radiation, if at all possible. Care should be taken before children receive x-rays. Considerations There are some back problems that an x-ray will not find. That is because they involve the muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues. A lumbosacral spine CT or lumbosacral spine MRI are better options for soft tissue problems.Open ReferencesReferencesContreras F, Perez J, Jose J. Imaging overview. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 7.Kapoor G, Toms AP. Current status of imaging of the musculoskeletal system. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 38.Parizel PM, Van Thielen T, van den Hauwe L, Van Goethem JW. Degenerative disease of the spine. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 48.Warner WC, Sawyer JR. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 44.