A lumbosacral spine x-ray is a picture of the small bones (vertebrae) in the lower part of the spine, which includes the lumbar region and the sacrum, the area that connects the spine to the pelvis.

X-ray - lumbosacral spine; X-ray - lower spine

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. Usually three to five pictures are taken.

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.

There is rarely any discomfort when having an x-ray, although the table may be cold.

Often, a health care 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

Images

Vertebral column

Posterior spinal anatomy

Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)

Vertebra, lumbar (low back)

Bones of the spine

Review Date: 02/07/2011
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)