Back Pain Glossary »
Computer Assisted Tomography

CAT Scan

Computer Assisted Tomography, commonly known as a CT scan takes cross section images of the body.  They are used to detect fractures, lesions and infections in the spine. A CT scan works by encasing the body with a x-ray.  A computer is used to reformat the image into cross-sections of the spine that are repeated at multiple different intervals. As a result, the spinal canal can be imaged and assessed for specific conditions.

When combined with a myelogram, which is an injection of radioactive dye, a CT scan can reveal how the bone is affecting nerves. This is a very sensitive test that can pick up subtle lesions and fractures.

CT scans should not be performed on women who may be pregnant.