• About
  Cedars-Sinai
• Careers at
  Cedars-Sinai
• Giving
  & Support
• Health
  Conditions
• Healthcare
  Professionals
• Patients
  & Visitors
• Programs
  & Services
• Quality
  Measures
• Research &
  Education

Spine X-Ray

Your doctor has recommended you for an x-ray of your spine. For this procedure, X-rays are taken of the neck, upper or lower back and tailbone to help to find problems associated with injuries (fractures and sports injuries), arthritis (painful swelling of the joints), osteoporosis (weakened bones) or other abnormalities that might be the causing pain.

Before Arriving for Your Procedure

Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home and wear comfortable clothing.

Although we do not anticipate any delay in your scheduled appointment, we recommend that you bring a book, a magazine or a music player to help pass the time while you are waiting.

During Your Procedure

Depending on the site of the pain, you may be asked to stand, lie on the exam table or sit in a chair.

The technologist will take multiple pictures of the painful area. You will be asked to move the arms and body in various ways so that images can be taken from different angles. The technologist may use sponges or sand bags to help the hold the body still or to pull the shoulders down for a better view of the neck.

The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes.

After Your Procedure

Your study will be read by an imaging physician who specializes in the interpretation of CT scans. The results will be sent to your physician, usually within 48 hours.

Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.

To request copies of your pictures on a PC-compatible CD, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.

Parking Information

Valet parking is available in front of the Imaging center from 7:30am-5:00pm.

For self parking, please enter parking lot P4, located at the corner of San Vicente Blvd. and 3rd Street. The entrance is on San Vicente Blvd.

If you are arriving after 5:00pm, please park in parking lot P1, located off of George Burns Rd. between Beverly Blvd. and Alden Dr. The entrance is off of George Burns Rd.

Partially validated parking at a cost of $4.00 is provided to our imaging patients for valet and self parking in the lots mentioned above.

Please Note: We do not validate for parking lots in the Medical Office Towers located at 8631 and 8635 W. 3rd St.