When a patient complains of back pain, as well as suspected possible development of pathology in this area, a tomography of the spine is performed. This diagnostic method allows not only to determine the cause of pain, but also to identify the location of the disease.
Let's consider what are the indications for an examination of the spinal region, what is the difference between magnetic resonance and computed tomography, their pros and cons, and what is better to choose. Let's talk separately about the cost of procedures, since for some this is the main thing when choosing a diagnosis. But it is better to rely on the doctor's opinion, because in some cases, computed tomography may be ineffective, unlike magnetic resonance imaging.
Indications for the procedure
As a result of tomography, regardless of the method, the diagnostician receives a three-dimensional image of a certain part of the back. CT scan of the spine is performed using X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging - through the passage of electromagnetic waves through the human body.
Thesetwo diagnostic methods differ in what pathologies of the spinal region can be determined and, accordingly, indications for the procedure.
Indications for spinal tomography can be read below.
| CT | MRI |
| Injury to the sacrum, vertebrae or their processes | Back pain |
| Neoplasms in bodies, arches or processes of a vertebra | Osteochondrosis and its complications |
| Inflammatory diseases of the back components | Inflammatory diseases of the spinal cord and roots |
| Anomalies in the development of the spinal organs | Suspicion of a neoplasm in the spinal cord, root or vertebra |
| Osteoporosis | Injuries, fractures and postoperative complications |
| Post-operative check of how well the metal structure inserted into the vertebra was fixed | Congenital anomalies or vascular pathologies of the spinal cord |
CT is not informative for suspected intervertebral hernias located in the cervical and thoracic regions. In this case, MRI is more effective. This diagnostic method has fewer contraindications, does not require preparation and has no side effects.
Types of tomography
BDepending on the presence of symptoms and the nature of pain, a specific area of the vertebra is examined. Indications for tomography of the spine allow you to determine what type of diagnosis will be applied in each case.
So, magnetic resonance and computed tomography can be performed for the following departments:
Breast
Most often, CT in this case is performed for tumors, which helps to determine the structure and level of spread of metastases. It is also possible to conduct an examination if a foreign body enters the lung area or if the lymph nodes are diseased.
MRI in this case is performed for fractures, bruises, anomalies in the development of this area, with impaired blood flow or suspected development of an infectious process.
Lumbosacral
This is a complex area that is subject to constant stress. CT in this area helps to identify tumors and proliferation of metastases, rheumatic lesions, fractures, vertebral fissures, stenosis and osteochondrosis.
MRI is prescribed for back pain, numbness of the lower extremities, congenital anomalies or mechanical damage to this area.
Cervical
CT in this case is prescribed as an additional diagnostic method, since MRI will be enough for this area. Tomography is indicated for numbness of the upper limbs, injuries, fractures, hernias, headaches, frequent dizziness and decreased motor activity in the neck.
Contraindications
A diagnostician in a clinic with specialized equipment where you can do a tomography of the spine informs the patient about contraindications before the procedure.
Tomography is not performed in some cases.
| MRI | CT |
| In the presence of electronic and metal implants | Pregnancy and lactation |
|
If there are fragments or bullets |
Allergy to iodinated contrast agents |
| Period of bearing a baby | Kidney failure |
If the patient suffers from mental disorders, epilepsy or claustrophobia, then the tomography is performed, having previously entered the patient into a state of drug-induced sleep. Also, a person's weight over 120 kg may be a contraindication, but there are also devices designed for 180 kg.
Preparation
Special preparation for tomography of the spine is not required. It is important that there are no metal jewelry on the body, since in this case the tomograph may work with significant deviations. Also, outside the door of the room where the diagnostics will be carried out, it is worth leaving mobile phones and any magnetic media.
Before CT, it is important not to eat or drink anything, since clear images can only be obtained with a clearly visible contrast. Tell the doctor if the patient has an allergy or is taking anydrug, which can somewhat distort the results. Before the MRI, you can not limit yourself in food.
How is a spinal tomography done?
Diagnosis is absolutely painless for the patient. With the exception of MRI, when a loud sound is heard from the operation of the tomograph. In this case, the patient can wear headphones so that the noise does not bring discomfort. The patient puts on spacious clothes (most often they are disposable and are issued in the clinic), lies down on the table, which then drives into the so-called body scanning chamber. In the hands there is a special button in order to contact the diagnostician, who will be located in the room behind the glass if necessary. Also, the doctor can talk with the patient during the diagnosis.
Information and volumetric images during the scanning process are transferred to the computer to the diagnostician, after which he processes them.
The process of tomography of the spine lasts no more than half an hour. At this time, the person lies on a movable table without movement. When examining a certain part of the back, there are special nuances that the doctor must notify about.
Pros and cons of methods
Spine tomography is primarily safe, as the diagnosis is made without the need for invasive and surgical intervention in the internal organs.
The disadvantage of CT is its duration (up to 15 minutes), as a result of which a personreceives a high dose of radiation. This can increase the risk of developing cancer in the future, so this diagnosis is often not possible.
Among the disadvantages of MRI are the high cost, technical difficulties in servicing a multicomponent device, and the impossibility of performing diagnostics by this method in the presence of pacemakers and other metal implants in the patient's body.
If we compare the degree of influence of these two diagnostic measures on the human body, then MRI has less effect on the patient, despite the longer procedure than CT.
Which type of tomography should I choose?
Many are wondering what is better - MRI or computed tomography of the spine, and how to choose the appropriate method of diagnosis. The choice is made only by the doctor, depending on the presence of indications and symptoms in the patient. Only a specialist can decide which method will be most effective in this particular case.
You can undergo an examination, regardless of the method of tomography, both in public clinics and in private ones. Most often, in private medical institutions, the equipment is newer and more modern, which allows you to get a detailed three-dimensional picture and make an accurate diagnosis.
The experience of specialists is also important, since doctors in the state structure rarely take advanced training courses, and they work on outdated equipment. The only negative is the price, since the examination in private institutions is not covered by the usual insurance andcosts many times more.
Diagnosis cost comparison
Tomography is prescribed after an ultrasound examination and plain x-rays could not help establish an accurate diagnosis. But thanks to previous examinations, it is possible to conduct a CT scan of the spine exactly in the area where pain is localized.
If you perform a tomography of a certain part of the vertebra, then its cost will be an average of 4 thousand rubles. Scanning the whole body at once will cost 90-100 thousand rubles.
Typically, MRI is more expensive, because the diagnostic machine itself is more expensive and difficult to maintain.
Conclusion
Having decided what a spinal tomography shows, what it is for, how to prepare for the procedure and how much it costs, you will only need to choose a suitable clinic with a good reputation for diagnostics.
As a rule, tomography does not cause complications, but there may be allergic manifestations to the contrast agent during CT, its penetration into breast milk, and the inability of the kidneys to remove it. But all these nuances are discussed in advance, so there are no problems.
