Category: Spine | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: January 12, 2026
If you are dealing with chronic back pain or you suffered an acute injury and just know that something is amiss with your back, you’ll head into a care clinic for an evaluation. The provider will likely conduct a physical exam to search for clues, but they’ll be able to provide a much more accurate assessment if they use imaging techniques to get a look inside your back. They have a number of different imaging tests in their arsenal, but which one is right for you? In today’s blog, we explain why a doctor may recommend X-rays, an MRI or a CT scan during your spine evaluation.
X-Ray, MRI or CT Scan For Back Pain
Let’s explain each of these three techniques in more detail as we explain why one procedure may be recommended over another if your provider is trying to get to the bottom of your back pain:
- X-ray – An X-ray is the most common imaging tool that is used in medical offices across the country. Compared to the other two techniques, it is a cheaper and more basic imaging process, but it can still tell us a lot about your spine. An X-ray uses ionizing electromagnetic radiation to produce a two-dimensional image of sections of your body. The technology is wonderful at producing clear images of bones, but it’s not great at viewing soft tissues, which is why it is typically used to assess potential fractures or vertebrae misalignment concerns. X-rays can also be useful because they can be taken while the patient is standing up, allowing the doctor to see spinal positioning while the structure is handling stress.
- MRI – MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, and it uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce clear three-dimensional images of spinal structures. It’s especially effective at capturing images of soft tissues, which is why your doctor may recommend the technology if they suspect an issue with structures like nerves, discs, muscles, tendons, ligaments or blood vessels. It doesn’t procedure the best images of bone, so it tends to be reserved for soft tissue concerns. It also requires that the patient remain still in order to capture clear images, so it’s often used while the patient is lying down. Because very strong magnets are used in the procedure, it is not available for patients with a pacemaker, cochlear implants and some prosthetic devices and artificial joints.
- CT Scan – A computerized tomography exam uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce clear three-dimensional images of areas of your spine. The CT scan is oftentimes referred to as the MRI of the bone, meaning it can produce much clearer images of bone than a standard X-ray. If a provider needs to see a bone in much greater detail, like if they need to view bone formation or assess a previous corrective procedure, they’ll order a CT scan. The CT scan is also helpful in instances of trauma, as it is much quicker than MRI technology (2-3 minutes vs. 15-45 minutes for an MRI). Contrast dye can be administered to improve visualization even more, but this will require more time to complete the procedure.
Minnesota Spine Surgeon
You don’t need to worry about knowing which spinal imaging exam is right for you. Your doctor will ask a number of questions about your injury and use a physical assessment to determine which imaging technique may be right for your situation. Dr. Sinicropi and his team are confident that they can find the right imaging technique for your individual needs so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and establish an effective treatment plan. For more information about any of these imaging techniques, or to set up an appointment, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today at (651) 430-3800.
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