Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Spine (Spinal CT Scan, CT of the Spine or Back) Procedure overview What is a CT or CAT scan of the spine? Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce both horizontal and axial images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than st...

X-ray of the Spine, Neck, or Back (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, or Coccygeal X-ray Studies) Procedure Overview What are x-rays of the spine, neck, or back? X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic pur...

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine and Brain (MRI Scan of the Spine, MRI Scan of the Brain) Procedure overview What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. How does an MRI scan work? The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical (tube-shaped) machine that creates a strong magnetic field around the pat...

X-rays of the Spine, Neck, or Back (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, or Coccygeal X-ray Studies) Procedure Overview What are x-rays of the spine, neck, or back? X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic pu...

Topic Index Facts About the Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Physicians and Specialists Chronic Pain Common Disorders of the Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Glossary The skeletal trunk, that part of the body made up of the spine (back and neck), shoulders, and pelvis, acts as the major support system for the rest of the body. Sometimes called the trunk or the torso, this area of the body is home to weight-bearing bones and joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerve centers that make movement, stability, and ...

Low Back Pain What is low back pain? Click Image to Enlarge Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning. Low back pain is one of the most significant health problems facing society today. Consider these statistics from the National Institutes of Health: Eight out of ten people have back pain at some time in their life. Back pain is a common cause of acti...

Neck Problems There are many conditions that affect the neck, which require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Neck Pain and Problems Torticollis (Wryneck) Whiplash Injury

Spinal Cord Injury What is an acute spinal cord injury? Click Image to Enlarge The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to a traumatic injury that can either result in a bruise (also called a contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear (called a transection) in the spinal cord. SCI is more common in men and young adults. There are about 12,000 new cases of SCI each year. The number of people in the U....

Back and Neck Pain What is low back pain? Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning and quality of life. What is neck pain? Neck pain is pain that occurs in the area of the cervical vertebrae in the neck. Because of its location and range of motion, the neck is often left unprotected and subject to injury. Pain in the back or neck area can be acute, wh...

Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back) What is a lumbar strain? A lumbar strain is an injury to the lower back, which results in damaged tendons and muscles that spasm and feel sore. What causes a lumbar strain? Click Image to Enlarge Trauma can injure the tendons and muscles in the lower back. Pushing and pulling sports, such as weight lifting or football, can lead to a lumbar strain. In addition, sports that require sudden twisting of the lower back, such as in tennis, basketball, baseball, and golf, ca...