Does the back make itself felt by constant pain? Probably, it is necessary to spend a computer tomography of a backbone. Let complex medical terms do not frighten the unknown. This simple and painless examination is very informative and popular in modern diagnosis of various diseases.
A tomograph is a kind of scanner that transfers the image of internal organs to the computer screen. But the scanning process itself can be carried out in two ways:
- X-ray method - computed tomography;
- non-radiology - magnetic resonance imaging.
And if the first method in the presence of allergic reactions of some patients to contrast may not be suitable for everyone, then the second method has almost no contraindications.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine
The principle of this spine survey is based on the action of electromagnetic radiation. They "build" tissue molecules in the direction of their movement. The tomograph carries out a radio wave scan, and a three-dimensional image appears on the computer monitor. This method of diagnosing spine diseases is more accurate than computed tomography with contrast. It is absolutely harmless. The only discomfort during the examination is a strong scanner noise, which, however, is mitigated when using vacuum headphones.
Assign a magnetic resonance imaging to assess the overall condition of the spine, as well as for:
- preoperative and postoperative examination of the spine;
- search for jams and compression of the nerve channels;
- identification of sites of inflammation of the spinal tissues;
- exclusion or diagnosis of oncological diseases of the spine and spinal cord;
- determination of fracture sites and hernias.
How to make a tomography of the spine?
So, the diagnostic procedure is as follows. If you have a CT scan with contrast, on the day of the procedure, do not take any medication so as not to provoke the interaction of the contrast fluid with the chemical components.
Also, exclude the use of foods high in iodine several days before the test. And four hours before tomography is generally impossible. Before the examination, you need to take off all your clothes and jewelry. Allergy to seafood is an obvious contraindication for carrying out a computer tomography of the spine. In the capsule of the tomograph there will be a microphone. If you suddenly feel uncomfortable, you can immediately contact the staff.
Magnetic resonance tomography takes a little longer than the computer, but does not require special preparation. On the day of the procedure, it is not forbidden to eat or drink. In the office you will be given one-time clothes and headphones. Ornaments and any other metal objects need to be removed. Inside the scanner, try to stay still, as any movements can distort the results of the survey.
Types of computer magnetic tomography of the spine
Since the size of the scanner does not always allow the whole body to be scanned, the moving cart on which the patient lies will set the right place for diagnosis. Usually, in the direction of the tomography, the area of the spine is indicated, which must be examined.
Back pain is one of the first indications for a comprehensive examination. When the diseases of the kidneys and female adnexa are excluded, it is worthwhile to see a doctor for a vertebrologist. Probably, he will appoint a computer tomography of the lumbar spine, as hernia and deformation of the vertebral tissues most often occur in this area of the back. They are accompanied by strong pain symptoms. Tomography of the lumbar spine can identify such problems at the earliest stages of the disease.
The lumbosacral part is the area of the spine, which is most often defeated by all kinds of injuries. Therefore, the tomography of the lumbosacral spine according to the frequency of the procedure is along with the tomography of the lumbar spine.
Tomography of the thoracic spine is rare,
- trauma of the thoracic spine;
- congenital malformations;
- tumors;
- intercostal neuralgia.
Tomography of the cervical spine will detect infectious diseases of the spine, the presence of tumors in the neck area, will help to provide an accurate diagnosis in the presence of vertebral and vertebral joint disease.