What is a common sign of spinal injury visible in an X-ray?

A common sign of spinal injury visible on an X-ray is the presence of fractures and dislocations. These injuries typically create observable changes in the alignment and integrity of the vertebrae, which can be identified through radiographic imaging. Fractures may present as breaks in the bone, while dislocations can cause misalignment between adjacent vertebrae. An X-ray effectively highlights these skeletal changes, allowing for the diagnosis and assessment of the severity of the injury.

In contrast, while muscle spasms can accompany spinal injuries, they are not visible on an X-ray as they pertain to soft tissue rather than bony structures. Abnormal curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis or kyphosis, is typically a chronic condition rather than an acute spinal injury and may not always be visible in the context of new injuries. Joint stiffness, similar to muscle spasms, is a symptom rather than a visible sign on an X-ray, primarily indicating dysfunction or pain related to the spine and supporting soft tissues. Therefore, fractures and dislocations are the most definitive signs detectable on an X-ray when assessing spinal injury.