The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. There is no discomfort associated with the X-ray . The table may be cold. There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image.
Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.
Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the X-ray . The X-ray shows normal structures for the age of the patient. There are a number of back problems that the X-ray will not detect because they involve the muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues. A lumbosacral spine CT or Lumbosacral spine MRI are better options for soft tissue disorders. Bone X-rays are a rapid way of determining the presence of fractures, dislocations, and other types of bone abnormalities.