Private Lumbar Spine CT Scan from £499
A CT lumbar spine scan produces detailed images of the bones of the lower back. It may help assess fractures, bony narrowing, alignment and selected degenerative changes.
What can a lumbar spine CT scan assess?
CT shows vertebrae and other bony structures well. MRI is generally more informative for many disc, nerve, spinal cord and soft-tissue questions, so the choice depends on symptoms and clinical assessment.
Why might a clinician recommend this scan?
- Assessment of suspected or known spinal fractures
- Detailed review of vertebrae and bony alignment
- Assessment of selected degenerative or post-surgical bone changes
- Further investigation when bone detail is important to the clinical question
How to prepare
Usually little special preparation is needed, but follow your appointment instructions. Tell the team about pregnancy or possible pregnancy and any relevant medical history. If you have new bladder or bowel problems, saddle numbness or rapidly worsening leg weakness, seek urgent medical assessment.
Safety and limitations
CT uses ionising radiation and is primarily useful for bony detail. It is not always the best test for nerve compression or disc problems.
CT uses ionising radiation. The imaging team considers whether the expected diagnostic benefit justifies the exposure and uses an appropriate protocol. Some CT examinations use contrast; the team will explain this and check relevant safety information.
How does it compare with other scans?
X-ray can assess some alignment or bony questions, while MRI is often preferred for discs and nerves. CT is useful when detailed bone imaging is required or MRI is unsuitable.
More than a scan: doctor-led care before and after
Your scan is part of a supported care pathway. You do not need to arrange your own referral.
Before your scan: GP consultation
Discuss your symptoms, medical history and concerns with a GP. This helps you understand whether the scan is appropriate and what the examination is intended to investigate. If imaging is clinically appropriate, PrivateScans arranges the referral as part of the process.
After your scan: understand the report
Your images are reviewed and reported by a Consultant Radiologist. Your post-scan GP consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss the report in context, ask questions and understand possible next steps.
Included with your service
- Pre-scan GP consultation
- Private medical referral where appropriate
- Consultant Radiologist’s report
- Digital access to your images and report
- Post-scan GP consultation
- Dedicated Patient Care Team support
Consultation fee: You pay £25 when you book. If you proceed with the scan, the £25 is deducted from the scan price. If you do not proceed, you pay only the £25 consultation fee.
Lumbar Spine CT scan FAQs
Practical answers about booking, preparation, reporting and the clinical pathway.
How much does a private lumbar spine CT scan cost?
A private lumbar spine CT scan starts from £499. You pay £25 for the pre-scan GP consultation when you book. If you go ahead with the scan, the £25 is deducted from the scan price. If you decide not to proceed, you only pay the £25 consultation fee. If you are unsure whether this scan is right for you, speak to a doctor today.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need to arrange your own referral. You start with a pre-scan GP consultation with PrivateScans. The GP discusses your symptoms and medical history and, if the scan is clinically appropriate, PrivateScans arranges the referral as part of the process.
Who reports my scan?
Your images are reviewed and formally reported by a Consultant Radiologist. The written report explains the imaging findings; your post-scan GP consultation helps you discuss the results in the context of your symptoms and possible next steps.
When will I receive my report?
Your Consultant Radiologist’s report is usually available within 3 days of your scan.
What happens before and after the scan?
Your service includes a pre-scan GP consultation, referral arrangements where imaging is clinically appropriate, the scan, a Consultant Radiologist’s report, digital access to your images and report, a post-scan GP consultation and support from the Patient Care Team.
Is CT better than MRI for back pain?
Is CT better than MRI for back pain? Not usually for every situation. MRI is often more useful for nerves and discs, while CT provides excellent bone detail; a clinician can help select the right test.
Unsure whether this scan is right for you?
Speak to a doctor about your symptoms and the most appropriate next step.