What is the X-ray of the spine?

Roentgen of the spine is a standard procedure for obtaining images of internal tissues, bones and organs on the film. He is appointed for many reasons, including for the diagnosis of tumors or bone damage.

The X-ray of the spine can be performed to evaluate any part of the spine:

• Sheine, which consists of seven vertebrae.
• Thoracic, consisting of 12 vertebrae.
• Lumbar: five vertebrae in the lower back.
• The sacrum, which consists of five small fused vertebrae.

All are approximately the same size, but differ in structure, coating and articular surfaces. The size of the image is determined by taking into account the patient's illness and complaints.

Roentgen of the spine can be assigned:

- to identify the causes of pain in the back or neck;

- with fracture, arthritis, degeneration of discs;

- for diagnosis of neoplasms;

- with spinal disorders, such as scoliosis, kyphosis or congenital anomalies.

There may be other reasons prompting the doctor to recommend a roentgen of the spine.

Before agreeing to conduct a survey, you need to get enough information about it. After all, the x-ray of the spine is not an easy procedure. No special preparations are required, but the patient should know that this is a kind of irradiation, and should be aware of where, when and who will take pictures of him.

The X-ray of the spine is strictly contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy, is allowed only in emergency situations, when the health of a woman is more important than the state of the fetus. This is due to the fact that the fetus has not yet formed and irradiation will have a bad effect on its development.

Before the procedure:

• The doctor must explain the procedure and answer the questions that the patient may have.
• As a rule, there is no preliminary preparation, for example, a diet or taking any medications is not required.
• It is necessary to inform the doctor if you are planning a pregnancy.
• In addition, a recent X-ray study of the esophagus with barium can interfere with a qualitative image in the lower back.

As a rule, the x-ray of the spine or of the entire back passes like this:

1. You will be offered to remove jewelry, hair clips, glasses, hearing aids and other metal objects that will interfere with the procedure.
2. If you need to remove clothing, you will be provided with a special robe.
3. You will need to take the appropriate position to get the correct shot.
4. Body parts that are not removed are covered with a lead apron (shield) to avoid exposure to X-rays.
5. If the procedure is performed to determine the injury, special attention should be given to measures to prevent further damage. For example, an x-ray of the cervical spine may require the use of a neck bandage.
6. Sometimes it is necessary to take pictures in several different positions. It is extremely important to stay in place while the picture is being taken, as any movement can lead to image distortion.
7. The X-ray is focused.
8. The doctor at the time of the robot beam goes into the protective room.

The X-ray of the spine does not cause pain, but manipulation of various parts of the body can cause discomfort or pain, especially in the case of recent trauma or invasive procedures such as surgery. The physician should use all possible measures to ensure comfort, complete the procedure as soon as possible and minimize pain.

Diagnosis of the spine, back, or neck can also be performed using myelography (myelogram), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or bone scanning.