About Spinal CT
Computed Tomography (CT) imaging of the spine can reveal detailed information about the bones, nerves and discs in your spine. It is commonly performed to help diagnose back, leg, or arm pain, and for follow-up after back surgery. CT scans are most commonly performed on the lumbar spine (lower back), but the cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid-back) regions are also evaluated by CT. The CT images can be manipulated on the computer to provide your RAS radiologist detailed views from several directions.

Sometimes contrast medium is injected into the spinal canal before a CT spinal scan in order to yield more information. That is typically done following back surgery.

What to expect
You will lie comfortably on your back on a padded table that moves through the scanner, which looks like a large square with an opening in the middle. Both ends of the scanner are open; you are not enclosed. You will be able to communicate with the technologist at any time through a two-way intercom.

As the procedure begins, you will hear humming, buzzing or clicking sounds from the CT machine. The table will move in short steps through the scanner as the CT tube rotates around you. At each step, the scanner completes a separate view. The information is processed by the computer and displayed as images on a video screen for the technologist.

You should remain as still as possible to produce the clearest images. For some exams you may be asked to hold your breath or refrain from swallowing during the imaging.

The CT scan itself causes no pain. Usually the scanning takes several seconds or just a few minutes to perform. You can expect to be in the department for 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being scanned. When we schedule your appointment, we can give you an estimate of how long your procedure will take.

A RAS radiologist will interpret your CT scan and report the results to your physician within five working days.

Patient preparation
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your CT exam. You will be asked to remove earrings, eyeglasses, dentures, hair pins and clothing containing metal that could interfere with imaging of the area being scanned. You may be asked to change into a gown.

Before the exam begins, please tell your physician and the technologist if you think you may be pregnant. You may continue taking prescribed medications with small sips of water prior to your exam.

Side effects and complications
CT scanning causes no side effects. CT does involve exposure to X-ray radiation, but the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.

Serious allergic reaction to the iodine-based contrast medium is rare. Our CT staff is well equipped to administer emergency treatment if necessary. Please let us know if you know or think you may be allergic to iodine.

Nursing mothers should wait 24 hours after contrast injection before resuming breast-feeding.

Follow-up care
The CT exam itself requires no follow-up care. If you had a spinal contrast injection, you will receive specific instructions from the staff.