Diagnosis
Mayo Clinic doctors use the most advanced techniques available to diagnose spinal stenosis:
- Spinal X-ray. X-rays can help doctors rule out problems that cause symptoms similar to spinal stenosis.
- MRI scans. Powerful 3-tesla MRI scanners take detailed pictures of your spine. MRI also can detect spinal cord tumors and damage to spinal disks.
- CT scans. CT scans are particularly helpful to view the size and shape of the spinal canal.
- CT myelogram. A contrast dye is injected into your spinal column to reveal herniated disks, bone spurs and tumors on a CT scan.
- Diagnostic injections. Anesthetic is injected into parts of your spine to help doctors locate the source of your pain.
Read more about spinal stenosis diagnosis at MayoClinic.com.
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