Various pathologies in the spine are always accompanied by discomfort in the chest or back. Sometimes problems in this part of the body are indicated by shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, rapid fatigue, pain in the heart area. To correctly diagnose this condition, X-rays of the thoracic spine are used. This method of radiation examination has been helping doctors and patients for more than 100 years. Despite the development of other diagnostic methods, conventional x-rays have still not lost their popularity. With its help, the condition of the vertebrae is examined, curvatures and pathologies of internal organs are determined.
Why are spinal x-rays prescribed?
X-ray is a radiation-based, non-invasive method of examining any part of the body. His invention is considered a huge step in world medicine: it allows you to see the structure of bones and pathologies of organs without surgical intervention. Advanced examination methods such as computed tomography are based on the same idea. The radiography method is used to diagnose many diseases; in case of bone tissue pathologies, it remains mandatory.
Content:
- Why are spinal x-rays prescribed?
- In what cases is it necessary to undergo examination?
- When X-rays are contraindicated
- Where is the best place to take pictures of the spine?
- How to prepare for the examination
- How does this happen
- How to reduce the harm from examination
Radiation examination of the thoracic spine is prescribed in order to study in detail its condition in the specified area. The reason for prescribing the procedure is the patient’s complaints, injuries, or the doctor’s suspicions of disc displacement, hernia or other problems.
The thoracic region is considered the most protected from the influence of the external environment, but even the slightest malfunction in this system immediately affects well-being.
The thoracic region consists of 12 vertebrae and is the largest area of the spine. The ribs are attached to the vertebrae, thus forming the rib cage.
This part of the body performs several vital functions: it protects internal organs and the spinal cord, provides support and balance, and participates in the movements of the whole body. Curvatures, illnesses or injuries in this area may be subtle but life-threatening.
X-ray examination shows cracks, displacements, and neoplasms. If the procedure is performed correctly, the doctor can see the pathology of the heart and respiratory system. Images are needed not only for diagnosis, they also help determine the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment and change it if necessary.
A patient can be assigned up to 7 diagnostic tests per year; the limitation is related to the radiation dose the patient receives. However, such a process does not pose any particular danger, since the dosage is clearly calculated and the person does not suffer in any way.
Indications and contraindications
For what purpose does a doctor prescribe this type of diagnosis to his patient? It should be noted that x-rays of the lumbar spine can solve many problems, including:
- determine the cause of lower back pain and numbness;
- investigate changes in the pathology of intervertebral discs;
- detect possible injuries;
- detect tumors, inflammation, curvatures, congenital pathologies;
- determine the condition of the vertebral arteries during the rehabilitation period.
Before the procedure, be sure to consult with your doctor!
But radiography has multiple contraindications, including:
- Pregnancy. During diagnosis, radiation is released that negatively affects the fetus. If such research cannot be done without, then a special apron will be used for these purposes. It acts as a kind of shield.
- People who physically cannot be at rest for a short period of time.
- The time interval between an X-ray using a barium suspension and the “candling” of the required part of the spine should be at least 96 hours.
- People who are obese. In this case, all the pictures taken will contain unclear information, so little information can be obtained from them.
In what cases is it necessary to undergo examination?
X-rays are prescribed to determine obstructive changes in the lungs; at the same time, they identify pathologies of the vertebrae and heart. This method is also used to diagnose cancer tumors in the chest area.
The examination is carried out as part of routine examinations and as prescribed by the treating doctor. A cardiologist, neurologist, therapist or vertebrologist - a doctor who treats the spine - can direct you to take pictures.
In addition, you can undergo this procedure at will if you have the following symptoms:
- impaired posture and gait, chest deformation;
- constant pain in the back or chest;
- breathing problems: temporary stoppage, difficulty in inhaling, pain, feeling of lack of air, etc.;
- frequent swelling of the legs;
- bleeding during coughing - hemoptysis;
- fast fatiguability;
- prolonged fever for no apparent reason.
In case of such problems, you need to contact a general practitioner, who will prescribe an examination and refer you to another specialized specialist, for example a cardiologist, if the complications are caused by malfunctions of the heart. To determine the exact cause of pain or other symptoms, a series of X-rays are necessarily taken to evaluate the patient’s condition.
Indications for X-rays of the thoracic spine:
- curvature of the spine;
- injuries in the chest area, fractures and dislocations of the ribs, collarbones, displacement of the vertebrae;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system: increased heart size, aortic aneurysm, cardiomegaly, congenital defects;
- fluid between the lungs and the outer wall of the sternum;
- all types of kyphosis - acquired or congenital deformation of the spinal column, in which part of the vertebrae protrudes forward. Expressed in stooping, sometimes hunchbackedness;
- calcification of the aorta or heart valve;
- accumulation of air in the pleural cavity, lungs and other tissues.
Images of the internal structure of the chest are also needed to monitor the operation of the catheter, pacemaker, and defibrillator. In the images, the doctor can see other diseases, such as tuberculosis, dysplasia, pneumonia, pleurisy, and so on.
For examining soft tissues, a conventional X-ray is of little information and is inferior to a computed tomography scan, therefore, as a rule, after obtaining images, the doctor may refer you to a CT scan to confirm or refute suspicions.
Radiation diagnostics can show changes in the lymphatic system, which also signals a serious problem in the body. In this case, lymphangiography is considered more informative.
Cost of the procedure
An obvious advantage is the price of an X-ray of the lumbar spine, because this examination in paid clinics is not expensive (from 1000 rubles), but in public clinics it is carried out free of charge. The cost of the spinal column examination procedure depends on the location and the device used, because the latest equipment minimizes the negative effects of radiation on the human body.
In large cities, you can use on-site radiography services, which makes it possible to carry out the procedure at home. The cost of this examination option is slightly higher than in a clinical setting, despite the fact that the quality of the resulting images is slightly lower.
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Diagnosis of the spine is a series of measures through which it is possible to recognize the disease and prescribe effective therapy. Most often, patients are prescribed x-rays of the lumbosacral spine. Such a study allows you to diagnose pathology or monitor the progress of therapy for an already diagnosed disease. Radiography is a widely used method of instrumental research with a minimal degree of danger.
When X-rays are contraindicated
Because the imaging process relies on radiation exposure, not every patient can undergo this procedure. Although the dose of X-ray radiation is small and does not cause damage when used correctly, such a study is carried out only when there are no contraindications.
During pregnancy, X-rays of the thoracic spine are not taken. Radiation exposure can cause irreparable damage to the development of the fetus. This procedure is avoided even in later stages, replacing it with alternative methods, for example, MRI of the thoracic spine.
To obtain clear images, the patient during the diagnostic process must not move for some time and follow the radiologist’s commands, for example, hold his breath. With severe mental disabilities and mental changes, a person cannot fulfill this requirement, so this may become a contraindication for the study.
A barium examination is considered a temporary contraindication. X-rays can be taken after such a procedure only after 4 hours.
In most cases, the examination is postponed to the next day. For people for whom this technique is contraindicated, other examination methods are recommended - MRI, CT, angiography, etc. In extreme cases, doctors are forced to examine the problem area only during surgery.
Contraindications
For certain categories of patients, radiography of the lumbosacral spine is contraindicated:
- pregnant and nursing mothers;
- children;
- excessive nervous excitement;
- overweight;
- previous radiography using a barium suspension.
Despite the fact that radiography of the spine today is not the only method for diagnosing pathologies of the spinal column, this technique is the most reliable and informative.
X-rays of the lumbosacral spine are performed in almost all clinics in the country. Among various diagnostic procedures, this method is considered one of the simplest and most common.
Where is the best place to take pictures of the spine?
The radiography procedure is considered the most accessible and easiest to use. Compared to other diagnostic methods, this can be done in any clinic. Similar devices are available in public clinics and hospitals, as well as large diagnostic centers. The process will be the same in both a private clinic and a public one.
The only differences are the price and waiting time for results. Thus, the state X-ray room will take pictures in a few minutes, but decoding may take several days. By law, this service in a government agency must be free.
Private diagnostic centers provide examination results within an hour. In addition, the X-ray machine can be digital, and such a device transmits the image to a computer monitor. The doctor can examine the condition of the organs and spine immediately during the diagnostic process; this is very important when identifying dangerous pathological conditions.
The results of this technology are transferred, at the patient’s request, to an electronic medium - a flash card or DVD. The health worker can also send them by email, which is much more convenient.
Feedback from those surveyed shows that there is not much difference between having an X-ray done in a public clinic or in a private one. If comfort and level of service are important, you need a private one. The price for one photo will be from 10 to 40 dollars. Before your appointment, it is important to ask if transcription is included in the price. As a rule, in private centers you have to pay an additional 10-15 dollars for this.
However, modern equipment makes it possible to view the examined area with multiple magnification. The doctor can examine in detail even small cracks or tumors. Old-style equipment takes pictures only on a film matrix, which narrows diagnostic possibilities.
How does this happen
After this preparation, the patient is given a lead apron - a special covering that protects other parts of the body from the harmful effects of X-rays. The device can be of two types: for horizontal shots or vertical ones. In most cases, the examinee stands in the booth; sometimes he is asked to lie down on a special table. In any case, the process takes a few minutes and is completely painless.
During radiography, pictures are taken in two projections: frontal and lateral. This is necessary to obtain more information.
The subject first stands straight, then turns one side and the other. The x-ray technician will monitor the correct position of the subject, control the entire process, and tell what to do. The success of such a process largely depends on how accurately the patient follows the instructions. Each of the resulting projections shows separate areas:
- Straight line - identifies the body of each vertebra, its processes, intervertebral discs. Such images clearly show the deformation of the ribs and spinal column. However, they are not enough for a complete picture.
- Lateral – done on both sides. Shows middle and lower thoracic vertebrae, endplates, rib deformity.
Sometimes x-rays of the thoracic region are not enough, since some areas may be “shaded” by internal organs, shoulder joints, etc. In such situations, the patient is prescribed additional examination, for example, CT or MRI.
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After receiving the data, the doctor examines it in detail, compares it with the previous ones (if any), draws up a description and conclusion. He will not give recommendations regarding treatment; with the results obtained, you need to contact the doctor who sent you to the X-ray room.
How to reduce the harm from examination
Radiation exposure certainly does not benefit the human body, but not all doses are dangerous to health. We receive small amounts of radiation every day, for example when sunbathing. Radiation is measured in sieverts (Sv), the daily background norm is 10 μSv for each inhabitant of the planet. During a chest x-ray, a person receives approximately 20 µSv. That is, such a procedure does not pose a direct threat, but it is still better not to accumulate the amount of radiation.
To reduce harm from this procedure, advice from doctors recommends making sure that after each session, the radiologist writes down in a report how much radiation the patient received. Based on these data, the next level of exposure will be calculated: decrease or increase. It is also useful to adjust the menu, introduce more seafood, dairy products, carrots, and walnuts. Such a diet will remove some of the radionuclides faster, and there will be no negative consequences from the diagnosis.
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