Tests

Your spine specialist might order some tests to help diagnose your condition. Typical tests include an x-ray, a Computerized Axial Tomography scan (a CT or CAT scan), or a Magnetic Resonance Imaging test (an MRI).

CT or CAT Scan:
Useful when bone detail is important such as fractures and certain tumors

MRI:
Probably the single most useful test. This scan details soft tissue such as disc and nerves. Useful for most conditions that cause back/neck and nerve pain.

You may also be referred for additional tests, such as:

Discogram or Discography:
A sterile procedure in which dye is injected into three or more of your vertebral discs and viewed using x-ray fluoroscopy. The goal is to pinpoint which disc(s) may be causing your pain.

Myelogram:
A test in which a contrast dye is injected into the space around the spinal cord, making your spinal cord and nerves visible on an x-ray. This test is very good at locating even small compression points.

Bone Scan:
A test where a radionucleide is injected, followed by a scan. This test is used to scan for fractures and other conditions over a designated area.

Dexa Scan:
A test useful for determining bone density in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.