Spine X-Ray at Butler : A Quick and Reliable Way to Diagnose Pain  (08) 9544 3999

Back pain, neck discomfort, and spinal injuries can significantly impact your daily life. Whether you're experiencing ongoing pain, recovering from an injury, or investigating a suspected spinal condition, a spine x-ray at Butler Medical Imaging is often one of the first diagnostic tests your doctor will recommend.

Spine X-rays are fast, non-invasive, and highly effective at detecting a wide range of spinal conditions, from fractures and arthritis to scoliosis and degenerative changes. At Butler Medical Imaging, patients can access high-quality spinal imaging with experienced radiographers and bulk billing available for eligible Medicare patients.

What Is a Spine X-Ray?

A spine X-ray is a medical imaging procedure that uses small amounts of electromagnetic radiation to create detailed images of the bones in your spine. These images help doctors identify structural abnormalities, injuries, and conditions affecting the vertebrae.

A spine x-ray at Butler Medical Imaging provides clear images of the spinal column, allowing healthcare professionals to assess bone alignment, fractures, joint changes, and other abnormalities.

Unlike CT scans or MRI scans, X-rays are typically the first-line imaging test because they are quick, accessible, and effective for many common spinal concerns.

Understanding the Different Regions of the Spine

The spine consists of several sections, and your doctor may request imaging of one or multiple areas depending on your symptoms.

Cervical Spine

The cervical spine is located in the neck and contains seven vertebrae. X-rays of this region help investigate:

·         Neck pain

·         Whiplash injuries

·         Degenerative changes

·         Alignment issues

·         Thoracic Spine

The thoracic spine forms the middle portion of the back and connects to the rib cage.

Common reasons for thoracic spine imaging include:

·         Mid-back pain

·         Postural abnormalities

·         Trauma assessment

·         Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine is the lower back region and consists of five vertebrae.

Lumbar spine X-rays are frequently performed for:

·         Lower back pain

·         Sciatica-related symptoms

·         Degenerative disc disease

·         Arthritis

·         Sacrum and Coccyx

·         The sacrum and tailbone form the lowest part of the spine.

·         Imaging may be requested following:

·         Falls

·         Sports injuries

·         Persistent tailbone pain

A spine x-ray at Butler Medical Imaging can be tailored to image any of these spinal regions depending on your clinical needs.

How Does a Spine X-Ray Work?

During the procedure, X-ray beams pass through your body and create images based on how different tissues absorb radiation.

·         Bones appear white because they absorb more radiation.

·         Soft tissues appear grey.

·         Air spaces appear darker.

This contrast allows radiologists to identify abnormalities such as:

·         Fractures

·         Bone spurs

·         Joint degeneration

·         Spinal curvature

·         Tumours

·         Infections

If an abnormality is identified, your doctor may recommend additional imaging such as a CT scan.

Why Might You Need a Spine X-Ray?

Your doctor may recommend a spine x-ray at Butler Medical Imaging if you are experiencing symptoms that suggest a spinal problem.

Common reasons include:

·         Neck pain or stiffness

·         Upper back pain

·         Mid-back pain

·         Lower back pain

·         Reduced mobility

·         Spinal injuries

·         Suspected arthritis

·         Postural abnormalities

Spine X-rays are also commonly used to monitor existing conditions and assess treatment progress.

Conditions a Spine X-Ray Can Help Diagnose

Spinal imaging can assist doctors in identifying a wide range of conditions, including:

·         Fractures and Broken Bones

X-rays are highly effective for detecting fractures caused by falls, accidents, or sporting injuries.

·         Arthritis

Spinal arthritis can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. X-rays can reveal joint degeneration and bone changes.

·         Scoliosis

Scoliosis causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. Regular imaging helps monitor progression and treatment outcomes.

·         Spondylolisthesis

This condition occurs when one vertebra slips over another and can cause significant back pain.

·         Degenerative Disc Changes

Age-related wear and tear can affect spinal discs and surrounding structures.

·         Bone Spurs

Bony growths may develop due to arthritis or degeneration and can sometimes compress nearby nerves.

·         Tumours and Infections

Although additional imaging may be required, X-rays can sometimes reveal suspicious abnormalities that require further investigation.

How to Prepare for Your Spine X-Ray

One of the advantages of having a spine x-ray at Butler Medical Imaging is that preparation is minimal.

Before your appointment:

·         Wear comfortable clothing

·         Remove jewellery and metal accessories

·         Remove hearing aids if required

·         Inform staff of any implanted medical devices

·         Avoid clothing with metal zippers or buttons if possible

·         Metal objects can interfere with image quality, so removing them helps ensure accurate results.

What Happens During the Scan?

Before the Scan

When you arrive, a radiographer will explain the procedure and may ask you to change into a gown.

During the Scan

You will be positioned on an examination table or asked to stand depending on the area being imaged.

The radiographer will:

·         Position you carefully

·         Place protective shielding where appropriate

·         Take multiple images from different angles

It is important to remain completely still during image capture to avoid blurry images.

The entire procedure is typically completed within minutes.

After the Scan

Once imaging is complete:

·         You can return to normal activities immediately.

·         No recovery time is required.

·         Results are usually reviewed by a radiologist and sent to your referring doctor.

In many cases, results are available quickly, helping doctors begin treatment sooner.

Why Choose Butler Medical Imaging?

Patients across Western Australia trust Butler Medical Imaging for professional, patient-focused diagnostic services.

Benefits include:

·         Experienced radiographers

·         Advanced digital imaging technology

·         Fast and accurate reporting

·         Comfortable patient experience

·         Convenient appointment availability

·         Bulk billed X-rays for eligible Medicare patients

Whether you're experiencing persistent back pain or recovering from an injury, a spine x-ray at Butler Medical Imaging can help provide the answers you need.

Book Your Spine X-Ray Today

If you're experiencing neck pain, back discomfort, or have suffered a spinal injury, don't delay seeking medical advice. A spine x-ray at Butler Medical Imaging can help identify the cause of your symptoms and support the most appropriate treatment plan.

Please ensure that you have your Medicare card and referral with you and pop into our location for your consultation. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us on +61 8 9544 3999 as we are here to help.

Additional Recommendation

“This information is general in nature and does not replace medical advice. Suitability for procedures should be discussed with your referring doctor or specialist.