CT Lumbar Spine
CT of the lumbar spine for trauma, fracture detail, and post-operative hardware evaluation.
Find CT Lumbar Spine near you
What a ct lumbar spine shows
- Lumbar fractures with bony detail
- Pars defects and spondylolysis
- Hardware position after fusion
- Severe stenosis (when MRI is contraindicated)
- Bone tumors and metastatic disease
Why your physician orders it
- Trauma with low back pain or neurologic deficit
- Suspected vertebral fracture
- Post-operative hardware evaluation
- MRI contraindicated
- Pre-operative planning
Contrast notes
Lumbar spine CT for fracture and degenerative work-up is non-contrast. Contrast is reserved for suspected tumor, infection, or vascular evaluation.
Prep summary
Most patients don't need special prep beyond completing the MRI/CT safety screening and removing metal jewelry. Specific prep (fasting, contrast, medication timing) is confirmed at scheduling.
Read the full CT Scan prep guideWhat to expect during the exam
Plan for 15–20 minutes. You'll lie supine on the CT table while the scanner images the low back in under a minute. Sagittal and coronal reformations are generated automatically.
Results and report turnaround
Every study is interpreted by a board-certified radiologist — most by fellowship-trained sub-specialists in the relevant body system. Preliminary reads are typically available within a few hours, with the signed final report sent to your ordering provider the same business day.
You can also request a copy of the report and the imaging on disk for your own records or for a second opinion.
Cost and insurance
Most major California insurance plans cover medically necessary lumbar spine CT when authorized. Our team verifies your benefits before scheduling and tells you up front what — if anything — you'll owe.
We also accept cash pay, workers' compensation, and personal-injury liens. Self-pay rates are published below so there are no surprises at the front desk.
Why patients choose Precise Imaging for CT Lumbar Spine
Low-Dose Protocols
Reduced radiation dose without sacrificing diagnostic image quality.
Same-Day Urgent Slots
Held capacity for urgent referrals across the network.
Sub-Specialty Reads
Board-certified body, chest, and neuro radiologists.
Every Financial Type
Insurance, cash, workers' comp, and personal injury liens accepted.
Find a ct lumbar spine location
Our network covers California from San Diego to Sacramento. Use the finder above to see CT Scan locations near you, or browse the full directory.
Frequently asked questions
Why CT instead of MRI for my low back?
CT is preferred for fracture, bony detail, and hardware evaluation; MRI is preferred for disc and nerve evaluation. Your physician orders the test best suited to the clinical question.
How long does the scan take?
Under a minute. Plan for about 15–20 minutes door-to-door.
Will I need contrast?
Most lumbar spine CTs are non-contrast.
Is the radiation dose high?
Modern dose-reduction protocols keep exposure low.
When will I get the results?
The signed final report is typically delivered the same business day.
How much does it cost?
We offer transparent, discounted self-pay rates — call 800-558-2223 for a quote.