Lower back x ray

A lumbosacral spine X-ray, or lumbar spine X-ray, is an imaging test that helps your doctor view the anatomy of your lower back.

The lumbar spine is made up of five vertebral bones.

The sacrum is the bony “shield” at the back of your pelvis. It’s located below the lumbar spine.

What does an x-ray show for lower back pain

The coccyx, or tailbone, is located below the sacrum. The thoracic spine sits on top of the lumbar spine. The lumbar spine also has:

• large blood vessels
• nerves
• tendons
• ligaments
• cartilage

An X-ray uses small amounts of radiation to view your body’s bones.

When focusing on the lower spine, an X-ray can help detect abnormalities, injuries, or diseases of the bones in that specific area.

Full spine x ray

According to the Mayo Clinic, a lumbar spine X-ray can show whether you have arthritis or broken bones in your back, but it can’t show other problems with your muscles, nerves, or disks.

Your doctor could order a lumbar spine X-ray for a variety of reasons.

It can be used to view an injury from a fall or accident. It can also be used to monitor the progression of a disease like osteoporosis

what will a back x ray show

what does a thoracic x ray show