ABSTRACT
Imaging is an essential tool in the evaluation of patients with pain or spinal trauma. A variety of techniques are available; the typical course is to begin with the least invasive or least expensive diagnostic tools and progress as necessary to formulate an effective treatment plan. Although imaging is critical to the care of spine patients, it is imperative to keep this in mind: “Treat the patient, not the x-ray.” The downside to diagnostic imaging is the fact that not all observed abnormalities are related to symptomatology. Any imaging must be interpreted in terms of the patient’s history and the findings on physical examination to complete the diagnostic picture.
