Thoracic spine X-ray

Alternative names:

back films; spine X-ray; thoracic spine films; thoracic X-ray; vertebral radiography; X-ray of the spine

What the risks are:

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the X-ray.

Special considerations:

The X-ray will not detect a number of back problems because these problems involve the muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues, which are not well visually captured on an X-ray.