The cervical region is the most mobile and vulnerable area of the spine. It is most susceptible to damage and deformation, the natural consequence of which is a significant decrease in the degree of motor activity. In the diagnosis of diseases of the cervical spine, X-ray examination is important. It is highly informative, accessible and easy to use.
The essence of the procedure
X-ray is an instrumental method used in the diagnosis of injuries and pathologies of internal organs. During the study, special equipment acts with special rays on the necessary part of the patient's body. They, unlike ordinary light, pass through the body.
After the beams penetrate the desired area, the high-sensitivity detector of the equipment captures them, as a result of which the doctor can visualize a black and white image.
The light areas on the x-ray are bones and joints. This is due to the fact that the dense structures of the body completely absorb the rays. The zones through which the beams pass through, onimages are black.
During the procedure, the patient is exposed to radiation, but its degree is minimal and does not affect the state of he alth. In addition, medical workers conduct research in compliance with all safety rules.
X-ray of the neck: indications
This section of the spine is extremely important: important vessels pass through it, which are responsible for the full blood supply to the brain. It also contains nerve bundles that connect the upper organs and tissues with the central nervous system. But the muscular corset of the cervical region is rather poorly developed, which increases the risk of serious damage. That is why, if any alarming symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor who will definitely prescribe an x-ray of the cervical region.
Indications for research are the following conditions:
- Pain when making any movement of the head, up to the point that it is impossible to tilt or turn it in any direction.
- Frequent occurrence of discomfort in the hands: numbness, tingling, etc.
- Before the eyes constantly ripples, vision deteriorated.
- Migraine.
- Dizziness.
- Crunch of cervical vertebrae.
- Disturbance of coordination of movements.
X-ray of the neck provides the doctor with information about any pathological changes at the earliest stage of the disease. In some cases, the study is the only method by which it is possible to detect an ailment in this part.body.
What does it show?
The neck x-ray is an informative method used to diagnose the following diseases and conditions:
- Various types of injuries (dislocations, fractures, etc.).
- Sciatica - an inflammatory process occurring in the nerve roots of the spinal cord.
- Scoliosis - deformities of the spine.
- Arthritis - joint damage.
- Lordosis, kyphosis - deflections of the spine (in the first case forward, in the second back).
- Osteochondrosis of the cervical region - a dystrophic condition of the cartilage of the joints.
- Neoplasms, both benign and malignant.
- Birth trauma.
- Congenital and acquired pathologies in children.
X-ray of the neck is a research method that allows you to assess the condition of bones and joints. Soft tissue transmits rays through itself, so they are not visible in the picture. Other diagnostic methods are used to identify their pathologies.
Contraindications
X-ray of the neck, like any other instrumental method of research, has a number of limitations to its implementation.
The main contraindications are:
- Pregnancy. A single dose of radiation, which does not harm an adult, adversely affects the intrauterine development of the fetus. If research is necessary during pregnancy, before an x-ray of the neck of the expectant mother is taken, the child is tried to be as safe as possible.
- Obesity. If the patientsuffers from excess weight, the degree of information content of x-rays is significantly reduced (they are fuzzy).
- Barium test less than four hours since completion.
In the presence of any of these contraindications, a neck x-ray is not prescribed.
How is it done?
Research is carried out in separate shielded rooms. This is due to the need to protect adjacent rooms from radiation. The x-ray room is always quite cool due to the continuous operation of the air conditioners, which provide optimal conditions for the operation of the equipment.
Before the procedure, the patient does not need to follow any preparation rules.
Research is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- A medical worker asks the patient to remove clothing and jewelry from the upper body before taking a neck x-ray, as they can distort the image.
- The man is laid down on the couch. In order to protect the internal organs and sex glands, the medical worker puts a special apron or vest on the patient. They are made of plates that do not let harmful rays through. To obtain the most complete picture and accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to take pictures in two projections. To do this, a person first lies motionless on his back, then on his side. In some cases, the study is carried out through the oral cavity, which allows the doctor to obtain the most reliable information about the condition of the anteriorneck section.
- After the procedure, the patient is dressed and can immediately return to their normal activities.
The duration of the session is about 15 minutes, while in fact a person is irradiated for 1-2 minutes.
In cases where the patient cannot move, the examination is carried out using portable equipment, which is equipped with an intensive care unit.
The procedure does not cause any pain. Some patients experience slight discomfort associated with being naked in a cool room.
X-ray with functional tests
This concept means extended diagnostics of the cervical region. With its help, it is possible to detect even the slightest degree of deformation and displacement of the vertebrae, changes in the discs, etc.
The essence of the neck x-ray with functional tests is as follows: after receiving standard images in two projections, the doctor asks you to take a position lying on your side. After that, the patient needs to bend as much as possible, and then straighten the neck.
An extended type of study is prescribed for suspected diseases associated with mobility that exists between the vertebrae and functional blocks.
This method is effective in the diagnosis of osteochondrosis, both acute and chronic. This is because the standard image cannot provide accurate information about the available offsets.
In addition, it is worth noting the followingthe advantage of radiography with functional tests: the doctor gets the opportunity to assess the state of the cervical region not only from standard images. Thanks to this, the pathology is studied as detailed as possible, and then the most appropriate treatment regimen is drawn up. In addition, the nature of the narrowing of the anterior discs can be analyzed during flexion, which is also important for making an accurate diagnosis and developing a treatment plan.
Features of research in childhood
Childhood is not a contraindication to radiography. It can be done at any stage of a child's growing up.
X-ray of the neck allows timely detection of the following congenital and acquired pathologies in children:
- displacement of vertebrae;
- scoliosis;
- asymmetrical muscle tone;
- orthopedic disorders;
- cervical instability;
- birth and domestic injuries (fractures, dislocations).
The procedure is fraught with certain difficulties in relation to children under the age of approximately 3 years. It is extremely difficult to force a small child to be immobile for several minutes. In this regard, doctors are trying to select alternative diagnostic methods. At the same time, even very young children can take x-rays.
The research methodology is absolutely identical to that used to diagnose cervical pathologies in adults. The child must also lie on a specialcouch (first on the back, then on the side) and strictly follow all the commands of the medical worker.
Many parents are apprehensive about x-rays due to the fact that children receive a certain dose of radiation in the process. Today, both private and public medical institutions are mostly equipped with advanced equipment with high-quality security systems, and therefore all possible risks are minimized. In addition, parents have the right to inquire about the reliability and level of protection of the device installed in the selected clinic.
If more than one procedure is needed to make an accurate diagnosis, information is entered into the child's medical record regarding when the x-ray was taken and how much radiation the child received. Using this information, the doctor determines when the next procedure can be performed without harm to the he alth of the growing organism.
How to determine the state of neck vessels?
Not always a standard examination is enough to make a correct diagnosis. The condition of the vessels of the neck x-ray will not show. In such cases, doctors prescribe an MRI. The advantage of this diagnostic method is that in the process it is possible to visualize not only bones and joints, but also soft tissues, veins, and arteries. The study is not associated with any discomfort, in addition, the process is safe.
Where to do it?
Today, almost every medical institution (aspublic and private) is equipped with the necessary equipment. Information about where to take a neck x-ray is provided by the doctor who ordered the study. It is usually carried out in the same hospital.
The patient has the right to receive information from he althcare professionals on how safe the equipment is. Outdated X-ray tubes generate more powerful radiation than modern ones.
Cost
If you have a medical policy, the study can be done at the clinic where the patient is observed. It is free and by appointment.
If desired, x-rays of the neck can be done in a private clinic. In this case, the cost of the study varies between 500-2000 rubles.
In closing
The cervical spine is the most vulnerable part of it. If you experience pain and other alarming symptoms, you should contact your doctor, who will give a referral for x-rays. With the help of this study, it is possible to identify various pathologies of the cervical spine at a very early stage. The procedure does not require any preparation, it is painless and takes no more than 15 minutes.
