How do the healthcare providers use a spine CT diagnose the cause of back pain?

When your healthcare provider recommends a spine CT scan to help diagnose your back pain, it means that they have some idea of what’s causing your pain, and they want to take a closer look at your back.

This brief guide will tell you more about why your provider recommended a spine CT for back pain, about the conditions a spine CT can help to diagnose, and about what to expect during and after your CT scan.

Let’s find out more about how a CT scan can find the cause of your back pain.

What is a spine CT scan?

A spine CT scan is an advanced imaging technique that provides detailed pictures of your spine. Unlike traditional imaging methods, a CT scan uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional images of your spine. 

These images offer a highly detailed view, allowing healthcare providers to see the bones, muscles, fat, and other tissues with remarkable clarity.

During the scan, you will lie on a table that moves through a large, circular machine. The scanner rotates around you, taking multiple images from different angles. The entire scan usually takes about 10 to 30 minutes. 

To get the clearest possible images, it’s important for you to stay as still as possible during the scan. These images are then compiled by a computer to form a comprehensive view of your spine.

How does a spine CT scan help in diagnosing back pain?

By providing detailed images of the spine, a CT scan allows your healthcare provider to identify a wide range of conditions that might be causing your back pain. 

For instance, it can reveal herniated discs, which occur when the soft material inside a disc pushes out through a tear in the tougher exterior, potentially pressing on nerves and causing pain.

Another common condition that a spine CT scan can help diagnose is spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. This can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and limbs. 

Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease can also be identified through a spine CT scan. These conditions involve the gradual deterioration of the spine’s structures over time, leading to pain and reduced mobility. The detailed images from a CT scan can show the extent of these degenerative changes, aiding in the formulation of an effective treatment plan.

A spine CT can provide vital information about tumors of the spine, helping your provider see the precise location and size of a possible tumor.

Additionally, a CT scan can detect fractures or other injuries to the vertebrae that might not be visible through other imaging techniques.

Identifying the common causes of back pain with a spine CT scan

When you need to know more about what’s causing your back pain, a CT scan is an excellent choice, because CTs are great at taking images of bones and soft tissue.

Spine CT scans are often used to diagnose conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other spine injuries.

How can a spine CT scan detect herniated discs?

A spine CT scan is particularly effective at detecting herniated discs, a common cause of back pain. Herniated discs occur when the gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes out through a crack in the tougher outer layer. This can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and limbs. 

The detailed images from a CT scan allow healthcare providers to see the exact location and severity of the herniation, helping them to diagnose the issue accurately, and recommend appropriate treatments.

For a herniated disc, CT images show the soft tissues of the spine in great detail, making it possible to see the protruding disc material. This clarity helps in differentiating herniated discs from other potential causes of back pain, such as muscle strain or ligament issues.

How does a spine CT scan help to identify spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis, a condition where the spaces within the spine narrow and put pressure on the nerves, is another common cause of back pain that a spine CT scan can identify. The scan provides clear images of the spinal canal and the surrounding structures, revealing any narrowing that might be causing nerve compression.

The images from a spine CT scan can show the extent and exact location of the stenosis. This information helps healthcare providers to determine the best course of action, whether that’s physical therapy, medications, or possibly an invasive intervention.

How can a spine CT help to diagnose spinal injuries?

A spine CT scan is also invaluable in diagnosing spinal injuries, such as fractures. These injuries can result from trauma like falls or car accidents, and can be a significant source of back pain. The CT scan provides highly detailed images of the spine’s bones, allowing healthcare providers to see even small fractures, or subtle misalignments that might be missed with other imaging techniques.

Spine CT scans can reveal the precise location and nature of the injury, whether it’s a simple fracture, a complex break, or a dislocation. This detailed information helps healthcare providers to assess the stability of the spine and plan appropriate treatments.

Preparing for a spine CT scan

Living with back pain can make everything more challenging, so if you need a CT scan, you may have some concerns about getting ready.

Here, we’ll look at everything you need to know about getting ready for a spine CT scan for your back pain.

If I have back pain, can I still get a CT scan?

Yes, you can still get a CT scan even if you are experiencing back pain. During the scan, you will need to lie still on a table, which may be uncomfortable, but the process is typically quick and non-invasive. 

If you have any concerns about pain or discomfort during the scan, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider ahead of time. They can offer tips or solutions to help you remain comfortable throughout the scan.

How do I get ready for my spine CT?

CT scans usually require minimal preparation. You may be asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing or a gown during the scan. It’s important to remove any metal objects, such as jewelry, glasses, or belts, as these can interfere with the imaging process. 

Depending on the specifics of your scan, your healthcare provider might give you additional instructions, such as fasting for a few hours beforehand.

Before the scan, you should inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are taking and any allergies you might have, especially to contrast materials, if contrast is being used. Also, let your provider know if you have any underlying health conditions, or if you think you may be pregnant.

What should you expect during a spine CT scan?

During your spine CT scan, you will lie on a cushioned table that slides into the CT scanner, a large, doughnut-shaped machine. You will probably hear some whirring or clicking noises as the machine operates. 

The technologist will be able to see and hear you throughout the scan, and can communicate with you, through an intercom.

If a contrast dye is used to enhance the images, you might feel a warm sensation or a metallic taste in your mouth, but these sensations are usually brief and harmless. After the scan, you can usually resume your normal activities immediately.

What happens after your spine CT

Once your spine CT scan is complete, the final step is discussing the results with your healthcare provider, who will let you know more about what is causing your back pain.

Let’s look at what happens after your scan at an imaging center.

How long will it take to get my CT results?

It usually takes about a week to get your results. For most scans, it takes a few days for the radiologist to analyze the images, and to prepare a detailed report. 

Your radiologist will send the report to your healthcare provider, who will review the findings, and discuss them with you. While waiting for the results, it’s important to continue following any advice or treatment plans your provider has already given you to manage your back pain.

How are the results of the scan interpreted?

The results of your spine CT scan are interpreted by a radiologist, who will examine the detailed cross-sectional images of your spine, looking for any abnormalities that could be causing your back pain. The radiologist’s report will outline their findings and provide an assessment of your spine’s condition. 

Once your healthcare provider receives the radiologist’s report, they will discuss with you what the images reveal about your spine, and how these findings relate to your symptoms. If any specific conditions are identified, your provider will explain them in detail, and what they mean for your overall health.

What do my results tell my provider about the treatment options for my back pain?

The results of your spine CT scan provide the information that helps your healthcare provider determine the best treatment options for your back pain. The detailed images from your CT scan ensure that any treatment plan is based on accurate and comprehensive information about your spine’s health.

How to schedule an appointment with us

Our goal is to offer you and your healthcare provider the most informative results possible, and we make it easy for you to get an appointment. 

With numerous locations across South Jersey, you’ll find us conveniently located near major highways and key bridges in the region. 

We’ll ensure the entire scheduling process is as effortless as possible for you. Above all, we are here to help you.

Reach out to us at any of the following locations to book an appointment:

• Haddonfield Office – Haddonfield, NJ
• Marlton (Greentree) Office – Marlton, NJ
• Medford Office – Medford, NJ
• Mount Laurel Office – Mount Laurel, NJ
• Moorestown Office – Moorestown, NJ
• Route 73 (Voorhees) Office – Voorhees Township, NJ
• Sewell (Washington Township) Office – Sewell, NJ
• Turnersville Office – Turnersville, NJ
• Voorhees (Carnie Boulevard) – Voorhees Township, NJ
• West Deptford Office – West Deptford, NJ
• Willingboro Office – Willingboro, NJ

Learn more about the board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read, analyze, and interpret the findings here at South Jersey Radiology Associates.