Lumbosacral spine x-ray

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Posterior spinal anatomy	Sacrum	Skeletal spine	Vertebra, lumbar (low back)
Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)	Vertebral column

A lumbosacral spine x-ray is a picture of the small bones (vertebrae) in the lower part of the spine (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 radiology 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 generally no discomfort associated with an x-ray, although the table may be cold.

Lumbosacral spine x-ray helps evaluate back injuries and persistent numbness, low back pain, or weakness.

Review Date: 01/24/2007
Reviewed By: Stuart Bentley-Hibbert, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.