A Computerized Tomography (CT) scan can help diagnose different spinal conditions including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, tumor, and vertebral fracture. CT provides a radiographic image of a single body plane. It is particularly good at imaging hard tissue, such as bones. The equipment is shaped like a donut or ring, with a movable table that slides in and out of the ring. The scanning system includes a computer that creates cross-sections or slices of a specific part of the spine. Obtaining similar images is not possible with traditional x-rays.

A Myelogram (also known as myelography) is a diagnostic tool that uses radiographic contrast media (dye) that is injected into the spinal canal’s fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, CSF). After the dye is injected, the contrast dye serves to illuminate the spinal canal, cord, and nerve roots during imaging.

Thus, when a CT scan and myelography are combined, images are produced that clearly show both the bony structures of the spine and the nerve structures. These images are invaluable to physicians as they diagnose a patient’s spine problem.