An X-ray of the dorsal-lumbar spine is a safe and painless test to visualise the vertebral bones of the lower back (thoracic and the lumbar spinal column) along with their intervertebral discs and the surrounding soft tissues like skin and muscles using a small amount of radiation. The image is recorded on a special X-ray film. The X-ray image is black and white. Dense structures such as the bones, appear white and softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles appear darker. The actual exposure time to radiation is usually less than a second, although the overall test may take 20-30 minutes.
To find the cause of the lower back pain that lasts for a long time
To look for any injury or fracture of the spinal bones (vertebrae)
To diagnose any suspected tumors (abnormal growth), arthritis, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) or infections of the spine
To detect suspected disc problems like spondylolisthesis (dislocation or slipping of one vertebra over the other), degeneration of the disc or herniated disc
To look for any abnormalities in the curvature of the spine like lordosis (excessive inward curve of spine), kyphosis (excessive outward curve of spine also known as hunch back), scoliosis (side to side abnormal curvature) or birth defects
Precaution
No precaution required.
Pregnant women should inform their doctor (and x-ray technician) as the radiations may affect the fetus. If needed, precautions can be taken to lower the radiation exposure to the fetus.
You may have to remove your jewelry and any metal objects which might interfere with the image.