X-rays may be recommended if you have back pain to help diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and determine the best course of treatment. Some common reasons for getting X-rays for back pain include:
- To check for spinal fractures or dislocations
- To diagnose conditions such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or spondylolisthesis
- To evaluate the spine for spinal tumors or infections
- To check for problems with the alignment of the spinal column
- To evaluate the effects of prior spinal surgeries or injuries
It’s important to note that not all cases of back pain require X-rays and your doctor may recommend other imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan, or bone scan, to help diagnose your condition.