What can a spine CT show my healthcare provider?

Your provider has recommended you get a spine CT scan because it’s an accurate, non-invasive scan that provides detailed pictures of the bones and soft tissues of your back, helping them diagnose your back condition.  

A spine CT scan is recommended for a number of spine and back conditions because they can quickly and painlessly help your provider to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. That helps a lot when you’re dealing with back pain and discomfort.

In this article, we’ll show you how a spine CT can help to diagnose problems in the vertebrae of your back, how CTs find the source of back pain, and how spine CTs can help diagnose trauma and congenital back conditions.

Examining the bones of your back

When your healthcare provider recommends a spine CT scan, they are often looking for detailed information about the structure and alignment of your spine. A CT scan creates highly detailed images of the bones, joints, and tissues, allowing your provider to identify problems that might not be visible through other types of diagnostic tests. 

How can a spine CT scan identify fractures or breaks in the vertebrae?

One of the main reasons healthcare providers order spine CT scans is to look for fractures or breaks in the vertebrae. The spine is made up of a series of small bones, or vertebrae, which protect the spinal cord and support your body. 

A CT scan can provide incredibly precise images of these bones, allowing your provider to see even small or subtle fractures that might be missed with less detailed imaging techniques. Whether you have a stress fracture or a more significant break, a CT scan helps identify the exact location and severity of the injury.

What types of bone abnormalities can a spine CT scan reveal?

A spine CT scan is also useful for uncovering bone abnormalities like bone spurs, which are small outgrowths of bone that can develop along the edges of the vertebrae, often due to arthritis or other degenerative conditions. It can also detect thinning bones caused by osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to fractures, along with tumors or cysts that may be affecting your spine.

How does a spine CT scan show detailed images of the spine’s alignment and structure?

If your provider has a concern about conditions like scoliosis, kyphosis, or other alignment issues, a spine CT can provide a clear view of how the vertebrae are positioned. By creating cross-sectional images, the CT scan gives your provider the ability to examine the spine from multiple angles, helping them to identify misalignments, narrowing of spaces between vertebrae, or any structural damage that could be causing pain or discomfort.

Evaluating the causes of your back pain and discomfort

If you live with back pain, your healthcare provider may order a spine CT if they want to take a closer look at the condition of your spine, including the discs of your back, and at whether your back shows the symptoms of a degenerative disease.

What signs of degenerative spine conditions, like osteoarthritis, can a spine CT scan detect?

One of the common conditions that a spine CT scan can detect is osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that affects the joints, including those in the spine. Over time, the cartilage that cushions your joints can wear down, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. 

A spine CT scan can show the signs of osteoarthritis, like bone spurs, joint-space narrowing, and other changes in the spine that result from the breakdown of cartilage. This type of information helps your healthcare provider assess how much the disease has progressed, and what treatment options might be best for managing your discomfort.

How does a spine CT scan identify herniated discs, or disc bulges?

Discs act as cushions between the bones in your spine, but sometimes they can become damaged or slip out of place. When a disc herniates, it can press against nearby nerves, causing you pain, numbness, or weakness. A spine CT scan provides a clear view of the discs, and can show if any are bulging or herniated, so your provider can create a treatment plan tailored to your condition in particular. 

What does a spine CT scan reveal about spinal stenosis and nerve compression?

Spinal stenosis, which happens when the spaces within your spine narrow and put pressure on the nerves, can be caused by a variety of factors, including degenerative changes, thickened ligaments, or herniated discs. A CT scan can show the exact location of the narrowing and whether it’s compressing the nerves that run through your spine. Identifying nerve compression is key to understanding the root of pain, tingling, or weakness that you might be experiencing.

Assessing the extent of an injury after trauma

Spine CT scans are often recommended after a traumatic injury to help your healthcare provider understand the full extent of any damage to your spine. Trauma, whether from a fall, accident, or other injury, can affect the spine in various ways, and a CT scan offers highly detailed images that can help pinpoint any damage.

What does a spine CT scan reveal about the impact of traumatic injuries on the spine?

Traumatic injuries can cause a wide range of damage to the spine, from fractures to dislocations, and a spine CT scan is one of the best tools to assess these types of injuries. Spine CT scans can show fractures or breaks in the vertebrae that may not be immediately apparent but could still cause significant pain and mobility issues. Also, a CT scan can identify whether any of the bones have been displaced or misaligned due to the trauma, helping your provider understand the severity of the injury and what type of treatment may be needed.

How does a spine CT scan help evaluate potential damage to the spinal cord and the surrounding tissues?

A spine CT scan helps your healthcare provider assess potential damage to the spinal cord and surrounding tissues by producing detailed, cross-sectional images of the spine and the areas around it. While the scan primarily captures the bones, it can also show indirect signs of injury to soft tissues, like the spinal cord, muscles, and ligaments.

The scan can also highlight areas of swelling or bleeding that may not be visible externally but could be affecting the spinal cord or surrounding tissues. This is crucial because damage to the spinal cord can lead to serious symptoms, such as paralysis or chronic pain, and early detection is key to preventing further harm.

What information does a spine CT scan provide for planning surgical or other medical interventions for trauma?

In cases of severe trauma, surgery or other medical interventions may be necessary to stabilize the spine or relieve pressure on the spinal cord. A spine CT scan plays a critical role in planning these procedures by giving your healthcare provider a clear and accurate picture of your back injury. 

In addition to evaluating damage, a spine CT can also show areas where the spinal cord or nerves might be compressed or at risk, guiding the surgical approach to relieve pressure and prevent further injury. The information gathered from the CT scan allows the healthcare provider to develop a tailored treatment plan, ensuring that any interventions directly address your specific injury, and improving your chances for a strong recovery.

Diagnosing congenital spine conditions

A spine CT scan can be crucial for helping your healthcare provider investigate problems like tumors, infections, and any congenital anomalies. These conditions may be less common, but their early detection through a CT scan can be important for getting timely treatment, and for managing your care.

How can a spine CT scan help detect tumors or abnormal growths in the spine?

Tumors, which are either benign or malignant, can develop in the bones of the spine, within the spinal cord, or in the tissues surrounding the spine. These growths may cause pain, weakness, or other neurological symptoms depending on their size and location. 

A CT scan can provide highly detailed images of the spine, revealing the presence of tumors or masses that may not be obvious from physical symptoms alone. This detailed imagery helps your healthcare provider determine the size, shape, and exact location of any abnormal growths.

What are the signs of spinal infections or inflammations that a spine CT scan might show?

Spinal infections or inflammation, though relatively rare, can lead to severe complications if left untreated. A spine CT scan can help detect signs of these infections, which might not always be easily diagnosed based on symptoms alone. Infections can occur in the vertebrae (osteomyelitis), the discs (discitis), or in the surrounding tissues, leading to symptoms such as pain, fever, and sometimes neurological issues. CT scans can show changes in the bone structure, swelling, or abscesses, providing your healthcare provider with the information needed to identify the infection and recommend appropriate treatment.

How can a spine CT scan assist in identifying congenital spinal conditions or anomalies?

Congenital spinal conditions are structural abnormalities that are present from birth, and they can sometimes cause pain or mobility issues later in life. A spine CT scan can help identify these congenital anomalies, like spina bifida, vertebral fusion, and other malformations in the bones of the spine. 

The detailed, cross-sectional images from a spine CT show your healthcare provider the precise structure of each vertebra, so they can see if there are any developmental issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. That’s how a CT scan finds congenital spine conditions early, so you can better manage your treatment, and get the best available care.

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) Office – 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.