X-ray of the spine: what shows?

What does the X-ray of the spine show: preparation, where to do, price and photo

Radiography of the spine is the simplest method of examination, which can be carried out in any medical institution.

X-ray allows you to establish some pathologies, this method has its own certain advantages and a number of disadvantages, which affects the quality of the survey.

Radiography of the spine - what is this method

Radiography is carried out using a special device that emits radiation rays.

These rays penetrate the human body and, depending on the type of tissues and their density, the path of radiation, you can get a black and white picture of the surveyed site.

Based on this, the doctor, when examining the pictures, draws certain conclusions about the pathological changes in the patient's area of ​​the examined area.

Advantages and disadvantages of this technique

Radiographic examination of bone structures of the spine has its advantages and certain disadvantages.

The advantages of this technique include:

• The possibility of conducting an investigation immediately when the patient seeks a doctor. X-ray equipment is available in almost every medical institution and therefore pictures are taken in emergency cases almost immediately, and their evaluation is performed by a radiologist in a few minutes.
• Low cost. A routine examination for indications and for a policy is made free of charge.
• Currently, there is the possibility of recording a survey on a digital file, which allows you to transfer data to another city for their description to qualified specialists.
• It is not required and preliminary preparation before most types of X-ray examination. Only in the radiography of the region of the spine and tailbone is required in some cases, enema, this is necessary to ensure that the gases accumulating in the intestines do not affect the quality survey.

To the disadvantages of radiography also include several parameters, this is:

1. The lowest informativeness in comparison with more modern methods of inspection. The taken picture of the spine will determine whether there are fractures in the bone structures of the vertebrae, whether there are deformations or growth of osteophytes in osteochondrosis. But at the same time, radiation rays easily penetrate through soft tissues and the intervertebral disc and therefore To clarify their overall condition and certain changes are not represented by X-ray possible.
2. Radiation effect on the body. Modern radiographic equipment has an increased safety class, but still a small percentage of radiation on the human body in such a survey affects. Therefore, shots are not recommended to be done frequently, and in some cases, radiography is completely contraindicated.

Is it harmful

Some are afraid of radiography, since they believe that the dose of the received irradiation can negatively affect the body. And this will be manifested by the mutation of cells and their transformation into cancerous cells.

To understand that this fear has practically no scientific justification, it is necessary to know the level of radiation dangerous for a person. This level is about 150 x-rays, obtained in total for the year.

The dose of irradiation that a patient receives in the case of images of the spine in two projections is equal, m3v.

And the use of computer technology can reduce the time of examination and therefore the dose of radiation affecting a person decreases several times.

However, for some patients, radiography is not a completely safe diagnostic procedure.

Try to do without this survey in such situations:

• If a woman is in the first months of pregnancy.Especially dangerous is the radiation background, if the picture is taken in the lower abdomen. The developing fetus is especially sensitive to radiation and this can be affected by certain vices in its development.
• If a small patient is to be examined.An X-ray picture should be taken correctly, observing the precautionary measures, and then irradiation on the child's body will not be affected by negative consequences.

In those cases when there is a certain danger of negative influence of the X-ray, the doctor can replace this examination with more sparing methods.

What the X-ray shows

Radiography of the spine is usually performed in two projections, that is, the patient lies on his side or the spinal column is photographed directly. The image obtained by all standards allows to find out:

1. All acquired or congenital curvature of the spine.
2. Pathological changes in the structure of bone tissues of all vertebrae of the desired area of ​​study.
3. Tumor neoplasm.
4. Certain changes in articular surfaces of vertebral bodies.
5. Violations of physiological integrity.
6. Bone formations.

An x-ray image is evaluated by a specially trained specialist and, on the basis of a comparative analysis, gives an opinion on the detected deviations from the norm. Then the doctor on the basis of this result concludes about the possible development of a number of diseases in his patient.

The photo shows a snapshot of the X-ray of the spine, in different projections

When carrying out diagnostic radiography, it can be assumed with a high probability of such diseases:

• Trauma of the spine - fractures of vertebral bodies, cracks, subluxations.
• Compression, that is, compression of the vertebrae.
• Curvature in different parts of the spine.
• Osteochondrosis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis.
• Tuberculosis of the bones of the spine.
• Neoplasms.
• Congenital and acquired anomalies of development.

Radiography is usually used to exclude or confirm the above diseases. Also, the indications for the purpose of pictures can be:

1. Frequent headaches and dizziness. With such violations, first of all, prescribe a snapshot of the cervical spine.
2. With pain in the chest, you need an x-ray of this area and neck.
3. Numbness and weakness in the extremities.

How to prepare

Special preparation for most types of X-ray examination is not needed.

If pictures of the spine are assigned in the region of the waist and coccyx, in an emergency the intestine of the patient is cleared with an enema of stool and gases. This is necessary, since gases do not pass X-rays well and without the enema the probability of obtaining a poor-quality picture is high.

With a planned examination, the patient is warned that for a few days before the diagnosis it is necessary to exclude products from the diet, the processing of which in the body causes accumulation of gases.

Immediately before the procedure it is necessary:

• Remove clothing from the area of ​​the body that will be examined.
• Remove all metal objects from the body.
• Examination is made from the lying or on the side, sometimes it is necessary to create a certain slope of the body.
• During radiography, the patient should lie as the lab technician showed him, without moving or moving. By time, such a survey takes only a few minutes, depending on the number of required shots.

The doctor may prescribe a radiograph with certain functional tests.

The essence of this type of examination technique is that the picture is made from the position of the maximum possible flexion or extension of the spinal column.

In this case, the pose for each patient is selected individually based on which part of the spine needs additional research.

Where can I make a survey?

Radiography of the spine is a standard, classical examination and therefore it is possible to conduct it in any city.

X-ray equipment is available in each district clinic, in hospitals, specialized medical centers.

In emergency cases, radiography can be done at around-the-clock functioning hospitals and trauma centers.

How much is

Planned radiography, which the doctor appoints to his patient, is performed free of charge in Russian hospitals, that is, on the basis of the policy.

If a person goes to a paid clinic or wants to have a radiograph without a doctor's appointment, he will have to pay a certain amount for the examinations.

The X-ray of the spine in different clinics costs differently, and its price depends on the scope of the survey, the number of images and projections. The cost of an ordinary picture is within one thousand rubles along with the description.

X-ray of the spine at home - is it accurate

Currently, there is an opportunity in large cities to conduct a radiographic examination of a man at home.

For these purposes, use a special mobile unit, which the doctor can independently move. The received data do not differ from the images that are made in stationary medical institutions, and the interpretation of the results is carried out within one hour.

Conducting a survey will immediately understand whether a person needs to be hospitalized or whether it is best to treat all at home.

Contraindications

Unconditional contraindication to X-rays is the first months of pregnancy. In the last months of bearing a baby, the x-ray is prescribed only according to strict indications.

To refuse a patient in a radiographic examination, a doctor can, if the intestinal cleaning is not done enough.

Also, pictures will give little information if the person is inadequate and can not lie quietly or He has significant obesity in that area of ​​the spine that needs survey.

Radiography is the very first method of examination, according to which the doctor can choose emergency treatment and further examination scheme. Assigning pictures, an experienced specialist takes into account all indications and contraindications, and therefore the patient does not make sense to refuse radiography.

A source: http://OsteoHondroza.net/diagnostika/rentgen-pozvonochnika.html

All you need to know about the x-ray of the spine

Fatigue, poor health and even some diseases of the internal organs can be a consequence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Correctly diagnose these pathologies will help X-rays of the spine.

At the modern level of medical development, x-ray differs from other techniques in its universality, availability and attractive cost. You can go through it as part of medical diagnosis, and independently when planning a visit to a specialist.

Radiography of the spine

The obtained X-ray picture will allow the doctor to clarify the diagnosis, prescribe competent treatment and give an accurate forecast of the patient's recovery prospects.

Objective assessment of the condition of the musculoskeletal system will be assisted by pictures of the spine with different sides - in two projections: direct and lateral - this is the standard method of radiography the spine.

If it is necessary to identify the exact location and the degree of squeezing of the vessels, the use of contrast agents is used.

The development of IT-technologies in medicine allows you to make a radiograph in digital form. The patient can record the results on a removable media, which will ensure better safety of the material and the possibility of demonstration to different specialists.

By radiography, the vertebral column can be examined completely or selectively by department:

1. Lumbosacral department. It is examined with problems of back pain, twisted posture, suspicion of a tumor, complaints of weakness, with observation of the spine after fractures, congenital malformations, herniated intervertebral disks.
2. Thoracic department. X-ray demonstrates the pathological changes, the presence of tumors, lesions of an infectious nature.
3. Cervical department. Immediately it is worthwhile to take a direction for the X-ray of the cervical department with migraine, dizziness, noise in the ears, ripples in the eyes. The X-ray can help to identify the presence of fractures or dislocations, displacement of the vertebrae, arthritis, osteochondrosis, the consequences of injuries. Due to the mobility of the department, it is most often in this case that radiography with functional tests - during the examination the doctor asks the patient to make inclinations or turns of the head in a special way.

How to prepare for an X-ray

Preparation for a roentgen of a backbone is obligatory only in case of research of lumbar and sacral departments.

Cervical and thoracic do not require taking preventive measures.

To exclude the accumulation of air in the colon, interfering with the clarity of X-rays, it is important to observe a number of conditions the day before:

• Dietary food. Three days before the X-ray of the vertebrae from the diet, products that provoke fermentation and gas formation in the intestine are excluded: bakery products, fruits, vegetables, legumes, carbonated drinks, dairy products, fatty, fried, smoked, spicy dishes. Instead, it is useful to eat soups without meat, broths, boiled chicken, porridges on the water. It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol and it is advisable to refrain from smoking, especially if planned X-rays of the thoracic spine, since residual smoke in the lungs can reduce the clarity of X-ray pictures. Radiography of the spine is always carried out on an empty stomach, so the last meal before the test is dinner the night before. If fluoroscopy is prescribed for evening time, a light breakfast is not forbidden.
• Admission of adsorbing drugs. If the body is prone to increased gas formation, several hours before the examination it is better to take adsorbents: activated carbon, Polyphepanum or Smectu.
• Reception of enzyme preparations. A few days before X-rays, funds are prescribed with the content of pancreatic enzymes - Panzinorm and others. These medicines have a number of contraindications, therefore their reception should be carried out strictly under the control of the doctor, in an individual dosage.
• When taking pictures of the waist and coccyx, it is necessary to cleanse the intestines before the x-ray of the spine. It can be a cliche or taking modern laxatives. One of the proven tools is Fortrans: 1 packet of powder is dissolved in 1 liter of water. The resulting solution is used as a regular drink in a glass every 15 minutes. The daily dose is 3 liters.

Immediately on the day of the procedure, it is necessary in the doctor's office to empty the body area, which is subjected to examination and remove jewelry and objects from the metal.

How do X-rays of the spine

Radiography of the spine has a number of features. Examination of the thoracic and lumbar spine is possible when the patient is in a prone position - on the back and side.

With pictures of the sacrum and coccyx, he is seated or laid on the table and asked to press his bent legs to the chest, and his neck and chest are covered with a protective shielding apron in order to minimize the impact of X-rays on the body rights. The most mobile department - cervical - is examined sitting using functional tests: the patient is asked to turn and tilt his head to the sides. The lumbar region is also often evaluated at the time of flexion of the back as directed by the doctor.

Regardless of which part of the spine is being examined, it is important to try to maintain the immobility of the body for a few seconds at the time of fixing the frame to ensure the clarity of the pictures.

With sufficient qualification of the doctor, the procedure is absolutely painless for the patient and takes no more than half an hour.

Today, it is possible to perform radiography outside the hospital walls - at home or, in case of severe spinal injuries - urgently on stretchers.

An experienced specialist is engaged in deciphering the radiograph. For convenience of perception, classic X-ray images look like pictures in a negative.

With this type of image, dense tissue is colored light, and soft tissue is colored dark.

By the ratio of these colors, the doctor can make definite conclusions about the patient's condition locally.

What does the X-ray of the spine show?

Radiography of the spine is assigned as an additional diagnosis of locomotor system disorders and allows confirmation or exclusion of a preliminary diagnosis. The most frequent indications for radiography:

• periodic headache;
• fainting;
• unexplained tenderness in the chest;
• numbness of hands and feet;
• trauma of the spine of different severity;
• tumors;
• crooked posture;
• osteochondrosis;
• anomalies in the development of the spinal column.

An ordinary person is unlikely to understand anything when looking at an X-ray photograph, but an experienced the specialist will be able to obtain from the image a maximum of data on the state of the musculoskeletal system patient.

X-ray will show a full list of acquired and congenital problems. Often these data are decisive in setting the final diagnosis and choosing the therapy.

However, if after the results of radiography the doctor still has doubts, the patient is sent to other diagnostic procedures.

Contra-indications for examination

Despite the prevalence of X-rays in our country, many are concerned about this procedure, explaining this by the possible excess of the allowable dose of radiation to the body.

But it is practically impossible to obtain a significant dose of radiation even on an old X-ray machine in a half-hour study.

The use of computer technology has reduced the risk of radiation a few times.

These are pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy - the radiation background even in small doses carries a deadly threat to the fetus.

In the last months of gestation, the X-ray is allowed in the presence of weighty indications to it. No radiography is performed if the patient was examined on the same day using barium.

Useless images are obtained from people who can not take a clear position on the X-ray table; in persons who are physically unable to observe the immobility of the body for a long time; suffering obesity.

Newborn children are also recommended to get rid of this type of examination, preferring the most gentle methods - ultrasound of the spine, etc.

X-rays to a newborn are prescribed from three months and only to clarify the diagnosis, for preventive examination of the baby such activities are prohibited for up to a year.

Is it possible to do x-rays with monthly

The date of referral to the procedure may coincide with the onset of critical days. Radiography is usually delayed until the end of menstruation, but this depends on the part of the body that is susceptible to examination. So, these days it is impossible to make an x-ray of the lumbar spine.

The ban is associated with a possible increase in bleeding. And also during this period in the female body temporary changes occur in the hematopoietic system, and the rays of the X-ray can trigger the development of oncohematological processes.

It is better to wait and wait for the conception of the conception in the next menstrual cycle.

Pros and Cons of Research

The X-ray of the spine has its positive and negative nuances. The advantages of this technique include:

• the possibility of an emergency examination of the patient, the mobility of equipment;
• the possibility of digitizing the images;
• Simplicity of preparatory measures.

Separately it is worth noting the low price of diagnostics. Roentgen of the spine is included in the list of medical services provided to the population free of charge as part of compulsory insurance.

If there is an appropriate mandatory medical certificate, you can conduct a study in any Russian hospital, having received a referral from a doctor in advance.

When applying to a paid medical institution, the services of an X-ray photographer will have to be paid, but on average, the price of one picture with a description fluctuates around 1000-1500 rubles.

From the minuses can be noted:

• a low degree of informativeness in comparison with similar methods;
• radiative forcing.

Is x-ray harmful and how often can I do

To be afraid to receive the exceeded dose of radiation it is not necessary. But it is not recommended to abuse the procedure, and doctors know about it.

With the goal of prevention, you can do it once a year, but if necessary, this figure can be exceeded five times. Even in a child's body with such a number of procedures, the radiation background will not tolerate changes.

A single X-ray of the spine will not do any harm to an adult or a baby at all.

Despite the universality of radiography, only on the basis of its results an accurate diagnosis is not possible. An integrated approach to diagnosis, one of the links of which is the x-ray of the spine, is the only right way to effective treatment.

A source: https://MoiPozvonochnik.ru/otdely-pozvonochnika/pozvonochnik/rentgen

Roentgen of the spine (lumbar, cervical, thoracic): preparation

Radiography of the spinal column is the most optimal method of diagnosing back problems, in particular because of cheapness, accessibility and comparative safety. In addition, the interpretation of the X-ray image does not take much time, unlike the same CT or MRI.

Radiography as a method of visualization is applicable to all departments of the spine. Preparation for the procedure is almost not required, which again can be written down in the advantages of this diagnostic technique.

In brief about the principle of the action of X-rays

The principle of operation of X-ray diagnostics is simple enough and consists in the fact that passing through tissues X-rays project the image of the affected internal organs onto a special film or paper.

However, a single snapshot is not very informative, since the image obtained by X-ray diffraction is flat (two-dimensional). For partial compensation, research is carried out in projections (from different directions).

Pain in the spine is one of the main indications for an X-ray

The need for two or more images in one diagnostic session should not frighten patients, since In fact, the received dose of X-rays in this case is absolutely harmless (if this is a single procedure).

What does the X-ray of the spine show?

Radiography of the spine is not omnipotent and some diseases can be overlooked.

Nevertheless, for diagnostics of "on-duty" pathologies it is more than suitable.

What does X-ray show best? The answer is quite obvious: neoplasms (including benign) and curvature of the spine.

In general, the X-ray of the spine can show the following pathologies and abnormalities:

1. Curvatures of the spinal column (caused by lordosis, scoliosis, kyphosis).
2. Degenerative and dystrophic pathologies, including osteochondrosis and spondylosis.
3. Intervertebral hernia (both single and multiple).
4. Benign and malignant neoplasm of the spine.
5. Compression and functional injuries.
6. Infectious pathologies of the spine (including tuberculosis and syphilis).

X-ray machine

Unfortunately,perfectly healthy spine, no one. The rule is the presence of minimal dystrophic changes (they have everything), which many diagnosticians mistake for the disease.

Indications and X-ray of the cervical spine

Radiography of the cervical spine is carried out very often, yielding to the "popularity" only diagnosis of the lumbar spine. The reason is simple - the cervical department is prone to degenerative-dystrophic diseases, especially osteochondrosis.

Indications for the X-ray of the cervical spine are as follows:

• chronic dizziness and headaches (of any intensity);
• suspicion of the presence of degenerative-dystrophic processes caused by osteochondrosis, spondylosis or banal age-related changes in the spine;
• the suffered trauma of the cervical spine;
• suspicion of malignant or benign neoplasm of the neck;
• the appearance of visual artifacts in the form of flies, shrouds or flares;
• paresthesia and numbness in the upper limbs, unsteadiness of gait.

Indications and X-rays of the thoracic spine

Radiographic examination of the thoracic department is relatively rare, as this department is most rarely affected by "on-call" diseases of the spine (osteochondrosis, spondylosis). Diagnosis is carried out in a standing position, taking pictures in several projections.

Departments of the human spine

X-rays of the thoracic spine should be made with the following complaints:

• chronic pain of varying intensity in the chest or in the thoracic region of the back, also indications are abdominal pain, not related to gastrointestinal problems;
• numbness and paresthesia in the upper limbs (especially in the fingers and hands);
• acute pains in the sternum (without coughing attacks) when trying to take a deep breath, pain in the sternum when coughing;
• constant unexplained sinus tachycardia with heart rate more than a hundred strokes;
• stiffness in the thoracic region of the back (including morning).

Indications and X-ray of the lumbosacral spine

Radiography of the lumbosacral spine technically presents no difficulties. Given the frequent problem with this department of the back (it suffers more often, because it takes the greatest load), most of the X-rays of the spine are applied to the waist.

X-ray of the lumbosacral spine

To make an x-ray of the lumbar spine is necessary in those cases when:

• there are constant pains in the back or lower extremities (the connection between the legs and the waist is the most direct);
• there is paresthesia and a feeling of numbness in the lower limbs;
• there is a visible curvature of the vertebral column or deformation of the pelvic region;
• there is a suspicion of a herniated intervertebral disc;
• there are suspicions of the presence of malignant or benign neoplasms;
• there is a constant unexplained weakness in the lower limbs;
• for the dynamic observation of congenital anomalies and defects in the structure of the lumbar spine.

Are there any contraindications?

Contraindications to the X-ray of the spine are relatively small. Absolute contraindication is pregnancy, and regardless of the trimester. Diagnosis is prohibited even far from the abdomen, since X-rays are still capable of damaging the fetus's body.

A relative contraindication is the situation in which a patient underwent a medical examination with a barium mixture during the last four hours. In such cases, the diagnosis should be postponed to another day, waiting for the removal of the barium mixture from the body.

Hernia in a picture of radiography

Anxiety, and hence mental abnormalities, can also be a relative contraindication. If the patient is constantly twitching during the procedure, high-quality and clear pictures will not be obtained, because of which the effectiveness of the diagnosis will be zero.

Pros and Cons of the procedure

Despite the fact that classical radiography is a very old diagnostic technique, it is still is relevant and capable of competing with some modern visualization methods (but only in some aspects).

The undoubted advantages of the procedure include:

• the patient can be examined immediately upon arrival at the hospital without waiting for the results of the tests and without training;
• devices for radiography are available in virtually any polyclinic or hospital in the countries of the former Soviet Union;
• the cheapness of the procedure, and even more so - in public polyclinics it is most often spent free of charge;
• there is a possibility to digitize the resulting images;
• preparation is required only in individual cases, but most often the procedure is carried out without it.

X-ray of the cervical

The disadvantages of x-rays are:

• X-rays can be potentially hazardous to the health of the subject;
• in comparison with modern diagnostic techniques, including direct analogues (CT), is inferior in informativeness.

Comparison with other diagnostic methods

Radiography in almost all parameters is inferior to its analogs - computer and magnetic resonance imaging. In advantage it has only cheapness and availability, which, unfortunately, does not compensate for shortcomings.

Magnetic resonance imaging is not a direct analog of X-rays, as it is intended for the study of soft tissues. But at the same time it is still able to give more information about the causes of diseases of the spine (in most cases).

There is no special meaning in comparison with computed tomography, since the latter is a logical continuation (evolutionary step) of the classical X-ray. It is better for everyone, except for the cost and accessibility (the CT apparatus is not every clinic).

If we talk about deciphering (describing) and interpreting the received data, then the radiography has few advantages. Deciphering by a specialist takes approximately the same amount of time that for radiography, which is for CT, which is for MRI.

Preparing for the X-ray of the spine

If you need to examine the cervical or thoracic spine, then no preparation for the procedure is required at all. The situation with the upcoming examination of the lumbar spine, at the level of which the intestine is located, is quite different. But how to prepare for it?

Spine X-ray

Preparation in this case is reduced to the following actions:

1. Two days before the procedure, it is necessary to exclude from the menu any gas-stimulating products.
2. The day before the procedure, you should take enzyme preparations (Mezim or Festal is best suited) and activated charcoal (based on your own body weight).
3. A few hours before the diagnosis is put an enema. You can put it yourself, or ask your nurse.
4. The last meal should be no later than eight in the evening (that is, the time of sleep is not taken into account) on the eve of the procedure. On the day of its holding you can not eat, you can only drink ordinary water.

How does the procedure work?

No specific manipulation during the radiography is done. The patient is invited to the office, where he is asked to take off any jewelry (even those that are not made of metal).

Then the patient should take a certain position. Sometimes the procedure is held standing, and often asked to lie back or sideways on the couch. Practically always carrying out the second picture (in the second projection) the patient is asked to bend over.

It is very important to take into account that usually the doctor-diagnostician asks the patient to hold his breath at the time of making the pictures. As a rule, this is required in the diagnosis of the thoracic spine, but often for reinsurance doctors are asked to hold their breath and when diagnosing other areas of the back.

X-ray on a modern apparatus

Restless patients who are unable to stay in one position for a long time (sometimes it is required) is not allowed to the procedure. More about how X-rays are done you can ask your doctor who gave you a referral.

Where is it done and how much does it cost?

Many patients are wondering about where to make a radiograph? In modern realities the question "where can I make an X-ray?" Looks inappropriate, since it is carried out in almost every state polyclinic, not to mention hospitals.

In private medical institutions, in most cases, there is no possibility of carrying out such a procedure (if we are talking about the province), because it is simply unprofitable. Patients will prefer to apply to state institutions, rather than pay for the procedure at an inflated price.

By the way about the cost. To the question "how much does an x-ray cost?" It will not be possible to answer this simply.

In most cases, it is completely free of charge, if you refer to a state hospital or polyclinic.

How often can I do?

Probably, the most frequent question by the patient about this procedure is the following: how often can X-rays be done? This question is quite appropriate, since any doctor will confirm that x-ray radiation is not the safest, and in large quantities even deadly.

X-ray pictures of the spine

We want to reassure you: the devices used in medicine can not give out a lethal or at least dangerous dose of "radiation". First, they have relatively weak power. Secondly, in most cases, patients are given a protective shield.

The only case when the radiography can become dangerous for the health or life of the patient, we can name the situation in which the patient is constantly subjected to diagnosis by this technique. The permitted number of x-ray studies -no more than once a month.

In the presence of a serious disease and the need for a constant repeat of the procedure, the number of authorized x-ray studies is unlimited (in this case, the potential benefit levels out harm).

A source: http://osankino.ru/diagnostika/rentgen-pozvonochnika.html

X-ray of the back - preparation, holding, contra-indications

Unfortunately, many people know what are the problems with the spine, and to make sure for sure what pathology worries a person, doctors usually prescribe a back examination with the help of an X-ray.

Radiography is a fairly simple procedure that gives a lot of information about the state of health.

Why is this method so popular, does it have consequences, where can I do it and how much does it cost the patient? Let us examine these issues in order.

What can you see on an x-ray?

Only an expert in this field can tell what the X-ray shows. The doctor will be able to see:

• The structure of vertebrae, ligaments and processes. Identify the first stages of osteochondrosis and osteoporosis (destruction of bones).
• Presence of free intervertebral space. This can cause a vertebral hernia.
• The ratio of vertebrae to each other. Diagnosis of scoliosis. Protrusion of the vertebrae.
• Diagnose the condition of the spine before and after surgery.
• Identify the developmental defects of bone structures (for example, spin bifida).
• Detection of micro-trauma in elderly people. They are manifested by shadows in the image, which resemble discharges of electricity, and are indicative mainly of sudden pathological fractures.
• With the help of an X-ray image, one can still see the presence of tumor formations, which are similar to light clots with uneven contours. Osteochondrosis can be detected using the X-ray of the spine.

What can not show X-rays?

Not always diseases of the musculoskeletal system are diagnosed with the help of an X-ray, for example, damaged soft tissues of the back or diseases of the vessels that surround the spine.

As the rays shine through the soft tissues, the picture will not show any pathologies.

In cases of herniated intervertebral discs, it is better to use MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), because the radiography can not track the dynamics of the process.

Advantages

Not just because the method is used quite widely. It has a number of advantages:

• Performed very quickly.
• High informativity.
• It is cheaper than other instrumental methods (about 1100 rubles per shot).
• Practically safe method, if you do not have more than 2 pictures in half a year. There are already modern radiology devices that further protect the person without leaving skin burns and provoke the development of radiation sickness.
• The ability to perform the procedure in any medical institution, as well as at home with the help of mobile devices. The method of investigation is absolutely painless.

Disadvantages of the study

At many diseases first of all the x-ray is shown. In some cases it is impractical and dangerous to perform radiography. Such cases include:

• Pregnancy.
• Obesity.
• It is difficult to assess the degree of osteoporosis.
• As already mentioned, it is impossible to track the dynamics of hernias and the condition of ligaments and soft tissues.
• A limited number of studies per year. Pregnancy is a contraindication for X-rays.

How does X-ray diagnostics work?

Those who have not yet had to examine their backs usually ask themselves how X-rays are done. In fact, this is a simple procedure that does not require any special knowledge. First of all, you need to go to the doctor and take a referral. It will indicate the information to the radiologist about which department of the vertebra the doctor is interested in and in which projections.

In the radiology room, you need to remove all clothing to the waist along with all items of jewelry.

The method will be informative only if the patient has fulfilled all the recommendations of the hospital staff about the preliminary preparation. In the booth, the patient must fulfill all the requirements of the doctor.

The procedure does not take more than 15 minutes, but you can not move. The taken picture should be given to the doctor and wait for your diagnosis.

The procedure itself takes no more than 10 minutes.

Preparatory activities

These are mandatory requirements for X-ray examination. What are they needed for? A large number of gases and stools do not allow making a qualitative and informative snapshot.

Therefore, first of all, the goal of training is getting rid of these obstacles.
If the pictures turn out to be substandard, then the diagnosis will be erroneous, and as a result, the treatment will be as well. This can lead to undesirable consequences.

In addition, in cases of repeated examination, the patient will receive an additional dose of radiation.

Stages of preparatory activities

• Preparation should be started several days before the procedure. All this time you can not eat in the diet products that promote gas generation: fresh vegetables and fruits, milk, beans, black bread.
• Drink activated charcoal 2 tablets after meals three times a day.
• If the patient is very worried, appoint a valerian solution of 15 drops three times a day. This will soothe it and ensure its immobility during the procedure.
• Do not eat anything 20 hours before the test.
• Carry out a two-time cleansing of the intestines with an enema. The first one was the night before, and the second one from the morning on the day of diagnosis.
• On the day of the examination, the patient should not eat, drink or smoke anything.
• If the patient has concomitant pathologies that stimulate gas formation, it is possible to use polyenzyme preparations.

Radiography of different parts of the vertebra

Since the vertebra consists of several departments, consider the pathologies that affect each of them separately.

Radiography of the cervical department

Virtually all the pathologies of the cervical vertebra lead to pain not only in the neck, but also in the occipital part of the head.

The main disease is osteochondrosis, and other conditions are usually its consequence in untimely treatment.

Osteochondrosis usually appears due to the fact that people move little, constantly sit and always forget how to eat right.

If you complain of frequent headaches, you need to do an x-ray of the cervical spine.

Numbness of the extremities

Such a condition requires compulsory medical advice. This is not a specific symptom, but in any case it indicates the development of a serious illness.

In this case, for carrying out differential diagnosis, you can make a roentgen of the spine in the cervical section.

Since in case of osteochondrosis intervertebral discs and ligaments are replaced by a rough connective tissue, they irritate the nerve endings and cause numbness. On an x-ray you can see it all.

Migraine

When the disease progresses, in addition to the nerves it affects the blood vessels, I cause so-called vertebral vein syndrome. This is manifested by constant pain due to a complicated blood flow.

As a result, the brain does not get enough nutrition, and this is accompanied by noise in the ears, dizziness, terrible pain.

With these signs, an X-ray examination should be performed immediately.

Chest X-ray

Conducting the examination should be done in the presence of such symptoms:

• Pain in the chest, stitching the character, which appear with inspiration, sharp slopes of the body and with unnatural position.
• Pain that occurs in the middle of the spine and prevents a person from walking, sitting or lying. Despite the circumstances under which they occur, the x-ray is mandatory. The images of the chest are made in different projections.

X-ray of the lumbosacral spine

Usually, with problems of this department, patients come in contact most often. This is due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure and physiological functions. As a rule, X-rays are made in the following cases:

• Pain in the lumbar region, which is aggravated by movement. Appear on the left, right or everywhere.
• Pain and numbness in the joints of the lower extremities for no particular reason.
• Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve. The condition is characterized by terrible pain in the perineum, gluteus muscles and thighs. This is due to the pinched nerve in osteochondrosis.
• Changing the sensitivity of the limbs.
• Muscle weakness, noticeable muscle atrophy.
• Suspicion of the bifid spine in children. This procedure is necessary if you complain of weakness and pain in your legs.

Radiography with functional tests

What an X-ray shows is much better told by a ray study with functional tests.

Functional radiography is necessary in order to investigate the most mobile zones of the vertebral column, that is, the cervical and lumbar spine.

In this case, the diagnostic examination is carried out in the lateral projection. During the radiography the patient lies and bends and unbends his back as much as possible.

More informative is considered radiography, in which a person changes his position: from vertical to horizontal or sitting. So much easier and more accurate to put the right diagnosis.

The cost of X-rays is small, compared to other types of research.

Functional tests are individual for each patient with clinical pathology.

Such measures can achieve a quality picture without distortion.

Developmental anomalies

Bifida back or splitting of vertebrae is a congenital malformation of the spine and neural tube. The reason is a combination of genetic factors. Symptoms in the first stages of the disease there.

But during the radiation survey, you can see small signs of pathology. For the diagnosis of spinal bifida, the first to use is the x-ray of the lumbosacral spine.

Since young children tend to flatulence, they should undergo thorough preparation on the eve of the examination.

Differential diagnosis of the spinal bifida is carried out with other forms of dysraphism, teratomas and dysplasias, also due to X-ray diagnostics.

Statistics show that the problems with the musculoskeletal system are very serious. With a late appeal to a specialist, the disease can not only be defeated, but also stopped.

Diagnosis is always better than treatment, and in this article to reveal the nuances of X-rays in diseases of the back, so that you had an idea about it, were not afraid and did not delay the trip to the doctor.

Your health is in your hands.

A source: https://tomografa.net/rentgen/kosti-i-sustavy/spiny-i-poyasnicy.html