Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

Imaging Studies

• Diagnostic Tools: X-Ray, Bone Scan, MRI, CT Scan
  Spine specialists use x-rays, bone scans, MR imaging, and CT scans to confirm a diagnosis.
• Diagnostic Tests: X-Ray, CT Scan, MRI
  X-ray, CT Scan and MRI are types of tests used to help diagnose certain spinal disorders. Learn about these and other diagnostic tests.
• Diagnostic Tests: Bone Density, Nerve Function, Discography, Lab Tests
  A bone scan, bone density scan, nerve function tests and basic lab work can help your doctor confirm the diagnosis.
• Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbosacral Low Dose Intrathecal Contrast Enhanced CAT Scan
  Similar to a myelogram, contrast dye is injected into the low back to enhance images of the spinal canal and nerve roots.
• An In Depth Review of Scoliosis: Radiographic Imaging
  Radiographs (x-rays) are used to assess the contour of the spinal column and to rule out congenital, developmental, degenerative or neoplastic abnormalities.
• Bone Scan
  A bone scan is an imaging test that detects increased activity in bone. The results help to diagnose fractures, infections, inflammation, and tumors.
• Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Measurement
  Bone mineral density testing measures the amount of calcium in the bones. The results are used to formulate a treatment plan to reduce the risk for fracture. Learn more here.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography) and CAT Scan (Computed Axial Tomography)
  A CT Scan (or CAT Scan) reveals the relationships between the spine's bony and soft tissues.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  MR imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool that produces 3-D images of the sagittal (left/right), coronal (front/back), axial (head/toe), and oblique (slanted) planes of the body.
• Nuclear Imaging: PET and SPECT Scans
  As part of the family of nuclear imaging techniques, PET and SPECT scans are performed to detect abnormal metabolic activity, which could lead to structural changes (in the vertebrae, for example).
• X-Rays (Radiographs)
  X-ray technology is the 'workhorse' of fundamental diagnostic imaging. Testing is fast, easy, and painless.
• Novel Radiation-Free Assessment of Scoliosis and the Cobb Angle
  The Ortelius800® is a new non-invasive radiation-free 3-D imaging system for the diagnosis and monitoring of scoliosis and other spinal deformities.

Discography and Myelography

• Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar Discography Information
  Discography confirms or denies the disc(s) as a pain source. Learn how the procedure is performed and its importance in planning spine surgery.
• Discogram
  A discogram involves injecting contrast dye into one or more disc spaces to provide information about the disc's structural integrity. The test helps to determine if a particular disc is generating pain.
• Discography (Discogram)
  Provocative Discography is a form of discography that replicates the patient's 'discogenic' pain.
• Myelography (Myelogram)
  A myelogram (myelography) is performed to diagnose disorders of the spinal canal and cord, such as nerve compression that can cause extremity pain and weakness.

Injection Studies

• S-1 Joint Injections to Manage Back Pain
  The sacroiliac joint is a common area of referrred pain and can persist as the primary focus of pain.
• Electrodiagnostic Tools
  Electrodiagnostic studies should be considered an extension of the history and physical examination and not a substitute for a detailed neurologic and musculoskeletal examination.
• Stellate Ganglion Block
  A stellate ganglion block determines if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain and if it is the source of arm pain.
• Sympathetic Nerve Block
  A sympathetic nerve block is performed to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain and if it is the pain source.
• Spinal Injection / Nerve Block Therapies for Back Pain
  An index to the different types of spinal injections and nerve block therapies used to diagnose and treat spinal disorders.

Other Types of Tests

• Electrodiagnostic Tools
  Electrodiagnostic studies should be considered an extension of the history and physical examination and not a substitute for a detailed neurologic and musculoskeletal examination.
• EMG's and Nerve Conduction Tests
  These tests may be ordered to learn more about the health of peripheral nerves. These tests can establish if a nerve is pinched, and give a numeric value to how severely it is pinched and often where it is pinched.
• Electromyography (EMG)
  An EMG measures muscle response to nerve stimulation and evaluates electrical activity within selected muscle fibers. The test can help your doctor differentiate between a muscle and nerve disorder.
• Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Testing
  NCV and EMG tests measure nerve conduction and muscle action potential. These tests are performed to determine if symptoms (e.g. sciatica, weakness) are caused by a nerve or muscle disorder.