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

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
• Signs of thinning bones (osteoporosis)
• Spondylolisthesis , in which a bone (vertebra) in the lower part of the spine slips out of the proper position onto the bone below it

Though some of these findings may be seen on an x-ray, they are not always caused by a person's back.

Many problems in the spine cannot be diagnosed using a lumbosacral x-ray, including:

• Sciatica
• Slipped or herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis - narrowing of the spinal column

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)