When unexpected back pain strikes after an accident or workplace incident, your doctor will need clear answers about what’s happening inside your spine. Determining the exact source of spinal discomfort often requires advanced imaging technology, and getting a CT scan in NYC could be an easy solution.
At City Wide Radiology, we offer comprehensive diagnostic services using CT scans in Brooklyn, NY. Our guide explores what spine CT scans can reveal about your back pain and why clear imaging matters in crafting a personalized recovery plan.
What a Spine CT Scan Shows
Your CT scan in NYC will use X-ray technology and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images. A spine CT scan captures the bony structures of your vertebrae with exceptional clarity while providing some visualization of the surrounding soft tissues.
A 2021 Frost & Sullivan report shared that approximately 375 million CT scans are conducted each year globally, making this one of the most widely used diagnostic tools in modern medicine. The technology is helpful because it can produce images that your doctor can view from multiple angles and in three dimensions.
Common Conditions Detected Through Back Pain Imaging
An article published by StatPearls confirms that the lifetime prevalence of lower back pain for people in the United States is around 70%. Many people will turn to a spine evaluation through CT technology, which can reveal numerous conditions and identify the source of their discomfort or mobility problems. These scans excel at identifying structural issues that affect your vertebrae, so your physician may order this test when physical examination alone cannot determine the source of your symptoms.
CT scans commonly detect these spinal conditions:
- Vertebral fractures from trauma or sudden impact
- Herniated discs that compress nearby nerves
- Bone spurs and arthritis that affect spine mobility
- Bony tumors or abnormal growths that put pressure on your vertebrae
Scans also pick up spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease from wear and tear.
What To Expect When Your Doctor Orders a CT Scan Diagnosis
Medical professionals may recommend a spine CT scan in NYC for specific situations, such as when you experience severe pain following an accident or injury. Speedy imaging tools are especially helpful during a medical emergency. Your doctor may also want to confirm neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness alongside back pain.
When our imaging center in Brooklyn performs your scan, the technician positions you carefully to capture the most detailed images possible. CT scans in NYC can also provide rapid results so that your doctor can begin the appropriate treatment.
Understanding CT Scan Limitations
Whether it is after a car accident or a work-related injury, understanding what CT scans can detect helps you set realistic expectations. One study in The British Journal of Radiology demonstrated that CT scans could accurately evaluate lumbar spine conditions. In the study, abdominal CT scans achieved 95.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
CT scan diagnosis works best when doctors need to visualize fractures, bone integrity, or major structural abnormalities of the spine. However, while it excels at showing bone structures, a scan has certain limitations for spine evaluation. For example, these scans may not provide enough detail for your doctor to assess spinal cord abnormalities or nerve root compressions.
Get Expert Spine Imaging at City Wide Radiology’s Imaging Center in Brooklyn
Spine imaging could help you take control of your recovery after an accident or workplace injury. At City Wide Radiology, we provide state-of-the-art diagnostic technology in Brooklyn that delivers the clarity your doctor needs. Call (718) 236-6800 when you need our experienced radiologist’s help choosing between MRI and CT scans or want to schedule your CT scan in NYC.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
These common questions address key concerns about spine imaging and diagnostic procedures.
How Long Does It Take To Get a CT Scan in Brooklyn, NY?
Our spine CT scan typically takes 10 to 30 minutes from start to finish. That timeline includes positioning and image capture.
Do I Need Contrast Dye for a Spine CT Scan?
Some scans require contrast dye to enhance the visibility of blood vessels and soft tissues. Your physician will advise whether contrasts will be necessary based on your symptoms before the CT scan in Brooklyn, NY.
Where Can I Get a CT Scan for Spine Evaluation?
If you’re in New York, try City Wide Radiology in Brooklyn. Our facility offers an advanced CT scan in NYC at the hands of an experienced radiologist who specializes in spine imaging.