Spinal Stenosis

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.