When you need them—and when you don’t

Back pain can be excruciating. So it seems that getting an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to find the cause would be a good idea. But that’s usually not the case, at least at first.

When do imaging tests make sense?

It can be a good idea to get an imaging test right away if you have signs of severe or worsening nerve damage or a serious underlying problem such as cancer or a spinal infection. “Red flags” that can alert your doctor that imaging may be worthwhile include:

• A history of cancer.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Fever.
• Recent infection.
• Loss of bowel or bladder control.
• Abnormal reflexes, or loss of muscle power or feeling in the legs.

Conditions: Lower-Back Pain

Diagnostic Tests: Spinal Imaging, Lumbar Radiography, X-Ray, Computed Tomography (CT Scanning), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)