CT Dorsal Lumbar Spine Test

Lumbar Spine CT scan is a type of X-ray that produces cross-sectional images of a specific part of the body. A cross-section of your lower back can be seen in the screen. The scanning machine circles the body and sends images to a computer monitor, where they are reviewed by a technician. This is one of many imaging tests which is used to investigate problems with your spine. This includes pain due to injuries, disease, or infection. A CT scan is not the same as an MRI. An MRI of the lumbar spine shows the bones, disks, and spinal cord. MRIs can also show the spaces between the vertebral bones that nerves pass through.

A lumbar spine CT scan is a noninvasive test. You will have to wear loose, comfortable clothing because you’ll be required to lie down on a table. You’ll also be instructed to remove any jewelry and other metallic items from your body. Before going into your CT scan, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: allergy to oral contrast (barium) diabetes, as fasting may lower your blood sugar levels pregnancy

A CT scan is one of many imaging tests to investigate problems with the spine. This includes pain due to injuries, disease, or infection. It is also used to find out the following problems :

• back pain accompanied by fever
• birth defects affecting the spine
• a herniated disk
• infection
• injury to the lower spine
• osteoarthritis
• problems controlling the bladder
• signs of cancer
• spinal surgery preparation
• weakness, numbness, or other problems with your legs

CT scans are performed in a hospital’s radiology department or at a clinic that specializes in diagnostic procedures. A technician will ask you to lie on your back during the test. The technician may use pillows or straps to ensure that you stay in the correct position long enough for a quality image to be obtained. You may also have to hold your breath during brief individual scans.