Today, X-ray of the lumbosacral spine is the most informative method for diagnosing various pathologies and diseases. The procedure is quick, painless, and the new medical equipment uses a minimal dose of dangerous X-rays.
X-rays can be taken in any medical institution: in the polyclinic at the place of residence, in the surgical department of a hospital, or in a private clinic.
Also, diagnostics are carried out outside the medical institution using mobile devices.
Why is it worth doing an x-ray of the lower back
The main indication for diagnostics is pain in the lumbar region. If the course of therapy aimed at eliminating pain is ineffective, a referral for X-ray is prescribed.
Also, radiography is indicated for:
- back and limb pain;
- numbness of the limbs;
- rachiocampsis;
- suspicion of malignant tumors;
- suspicion of protrusion ;
- hernia;
- chronic feeling of tiredness and weakness;
- complications after fractures;
- diagnostics prior to surgery, or after surgery.
Note: the main disadvantage of diagnostics is the difficult examination of muscles and ligaments, as well as the impossibility of examining soft tissues. Sprains cannot be diagnosed on x-rays.
What does an x-ray of the lumbosacral region show?
During an X-ray, a specialist evaluates the structure of the bone tissue of the vertebrae, diagnoses the presence of fluid and possible deformities of the intervertebral discs. In addition, various pathologies of the spinal column are detected.
Radiography is effective for diagnosing:
- pathological curvature of the spine;
- painful wear and tear of bones and cartilage;
- cancerous tumors;
- osteoporosis – pathological thinning of bone tissue;
- spondylolisthesis – displacement of the vertebrae in relation to other vertebrae;
- lumbosacral radiculitis;
- stenosis – a narrowing of the spine;
- diseases of the spine of an infectious nature;
- herniated disc ..
Note: pathologies that are diagnosed during x-ray of the lumbosacral spine are not always caused by problems in the back.
What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and how to treat it – read here.
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How to prepare for the procedure
In contrast to the X-ray of the cervical spine, the radiography of the lumbosacral spine requires quite serious preparation. The preparatory process begins three days before the date of the diagnosis.
The doctor prescribing a referral for the examination must tell in detail about all the preparatory measures that the patient must perform.
If you do not properly prepare for an X-ray, the images will be indistinct, indistinct, which greatly complicates the ability to establish the correct diagnosis and offer the appropriate course of therapy.
Preparation stages
- A few days before the examination, the patient should exclude from his diet foods that contribute to increased flatulence: milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, black bread.
- Take activated charcoal three times a day, two tablets.
- As a sedative, the patient needs to take valerian root three times a day, 15 drops. This will allow you to feel more relaxed during the procedure and stay still.
- The last meal on the eve of the examination is no later than 7 pm.
- Two enemas are prescribed: the night before and on the day of the diagnosis.
- On the day of the X-ray, the patient should not drink, eat or smoke.
Why are preparatory measures necessary?
First of all, all the preparatory measures are aimed at cleansing the intestines, since an excessive amount of gas and feces significantly complicate the study.
Poor-quality images will not make it possible to make a correct diagnosis, a re-examination will be required, and, therefore, an additional dose of X-ray radiation.
How the examination is done
The procedure is performed quickly enough and does not cause discomfort. The only unpleasant sensation during the X-ray examination may be a cold table.
The patient removes clothing and jewelry from the upper body and takes a stationary position (sitting or lying) on the X-ray table. To protect the body, the neck and chest are covered with a shielding plate.
The required number of shots is taken within a quarter of an hour.
X-ray with functional tests
Functional radiography is relevant for the study of the most mobile zones of the spinal column: the cervical and lumbar.
In this case, the diagnosis is carried out in a lateral projection, when the patient lies, with the maximum possible flexion and extension. The most informative and visual X-ray is considered, which is carried out in an upright position or sitting.
However, the technical capabilities of the medical institution and the patient’s physical condition do not always allow using this method for diagnosing spinal pathologies.
For the study to be as complete as possible, radiographs are needed in three projections:
- one back;
- two lateral: with flexion and maximum extension.
Functional tests are strictly individual for each clinical picture. The main condition for sampling is opposite directions of body position. This is the only way to determine the full range of movements in the selected segment. It is also important to select the correct angle of inclination of the X-ray tube in order to avoid possible image distortion in the images.
Note: all necessary studies of the lumbar spine with functional tests can be performed in a conventional X-ray room.
X-ray photo of the lumbar spine with functional tests
Functional radiography is performed based on the results of the classical X-ray of the lumbar spine and the general condition of the patient.
Areas of the spinal column are selected , requiring additional and more thorough examination. Then the specialist chooses the optimal diagnostic technique.
The following tests are used for functional diagnostics of the spine:
- In the supine position.
- Flexion. The patient lies on his side, puts his head on the arm bent at the elbow, bends his legs at the knees and pulls to the stomach.
- Extension. The patient stands sideways to the vertical base, maintaining the lumbar lordosis position. One arm is bent at the joint and is located behind the head. The other hand touches the edge of the table.
- In a sitting position.
- Flexion. The patient sits sideways to the vertical base, touching the body to it. Arms crossed, wrap around knees, elbows resting on hips. The body must be tilted forward as much as possible.
- Extension. The patient needs to bend back as much as possible, tilt his head and arch the chest.
- In a standing position.
- Flexion. The patient stands sideways to the vertical base, touching it with the body. Performs the maximum possible bend forward, touching the floor with his hands and not bending his knees.
- Extension. The patient stands sideways to a vertical base, flexes as much as possible, throws back his head and clasps his hands in a lock at the back of the head.
Functional diagnostics of the spine is carried out for patients with acute pain who are in the hospital. To do this, the patient lies down on a laterographic attachment, the hips and upper body must touch the base. After that, the legs are bent at the knees and pressed against the stomach.
Price
The advantage of the survey is its affordable cost.
In paid clinics, the cost of diagnostics is from 450 to 2200 rubles, and functional diagnostics – from 800 to 3000 rubles. In public medical institutions, examinations can be carried out free of charge.
The cost of the examination depends on the complexity of the disease, the equipment used, the city where the patient lives, and the status of the clinic.
Note: in large settlements, you can use the services of a mobile X-ray machine, which specialists deliver to the patient’s place of residence and conduct an examination at home. However, it is important to take into account that in such conditions the quality of the images is slightly lower than in the clinic.
Contraindications
For some categories of patients, X-ray of the lumbosacral spine is contraindicated:
- pregnant and lactating mothers;
- children;
- excessive nervous excitement;
- overweight;
- previous radiography using barium suspension.
Despite the fact that X-ray of the spine today is not the only method for diagnosing pathologies of the spinal column, it is this technique that is the most reliable and informative.