29.03.2024

X-rays of the cervical spine

The spine is the main pillar of the human body. Each of its five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal performs its functions, has its purpose. In the cervical region is the bulk of the vessels that supply blood to the brain.

He also holds the weight of the head and is responsible for its twists and bends. Therefore, due to the peculiarities of the structure of its seven vertebrae, it is very flexible and this makes it very vulnerable to various pathologies.

Any sudden movement or awkward posture can result in severe pain, violation of the anatomical structures and the beginning of degenerative-dystrophic process.

Effective treatment must begin with timely diagnostic quality. To determine the extent of your injuries, their causes, the possibility of complications and aims an x-ray of the cervical spine.

The essence of the procedure

Radiography is called an instrumental study based on the use of x-ray radiation. This method is inexpensive, and at the same time very informative.

X-rays of the cervical vertebrae will help to identify these diseases:

  • pathological lordosis of the cervical (deformity of the spine forward);
  • pathological kyphosis of the cervical (deformity of the back);
  • osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
  • intervertebral hernia, protrusion;
  • the consequences of the injury.

Correct diagnosis enables you to assign adequate treatment to avoid complications and irreversible processes, for example, compression of the spinal cord. It is fraught with systemic disorders, which can result in partial or full paralysis.

For the prevention and treatment of diseases of the JOINTS our constant reader uses the increasingly popular NON-surgical method of treatment is recommended by leading German and Israeli orthopedists. Thoroughly acquainted with him, we decided to offer it to your attention.

Where can I get an x-ray of the cervical

Anyone who felt the slightest pain in the neck, should know where to do x-rays of the cervical spine. Today it is not difficult. Most hospitals have digital x-ray equipment. The patient receives a very small dose of radiation is safe for his health. Therefore, the survey can be assigned as in the elderly and in children. Pregnant women do not normally do x-rays, with the exception of some emergency cases. Diagnosis is performed in special rooms, protected by screens that prevent the penetration of x-rays beyond them. The internal organs examined also protect against radiation lead aprons and vests.

When the indicated diagnostic procedure cervical spine

X-rays of the cervical vertebrae shown in the following symptoms:

  • headache;
  • a feeling of stiffness in the neck;
  • noise in the ears;
  • pressure surge;
  • numbness and tingling in the hands;
  • shortness of breath;
  • strong dizziness.

X-ray examination helps to determine the pathology exclusively bone apparatus. If soft tissue damage, suitable methods of instrumental examination.

Found effective remedy for pains and for the treatment of joints:

  • natural composition,
  • with no side effects
  • efficiency, proven expert,
  • a quick result.
Preparation and procedure

The preparation is very simple: the patient should undress from the waist up, removing jewelry from metal, as they can degrade image quality. Usually make an appointment for x-rays of the cervical spine in two projections: anterior and lateral. Sometimes produce the anterior wall of the cervical at the top, through the open mouth.

For quality and clear images of the patient during the examination must take the correct position and lying perfectly still. The procedure takes no more than 20 minutes and does not bear the patient no discomfort.

The x-ray machine is the x-ray source at low power. Based on this action. It is known that these rays have the ability to pass through the surface of any density. All organs and tissues of the human body, in turn, have the ability to pass (cloth lungs, muscles) or delay (bone, cartilage) particles x-ray radiation. As a result, the picture obtained by different staining intensity plots corresponding to the different density of tissues. It’s easy to distinguish between dark and more dense and bright vertebrae on your spinal discs. It is important to do x-rays of the cervical spine in two projections, because in the picture we see a two-dimensional image of the patient’s body. For a clear and objective picture of the disease doctor compares the two images of the same portion of the spine.

Radiography of the neck with functional tests

By visual examination of the spine might be revealed a serious problem. Perhaps the vertebrae are shifted or damaged, and one of the walls surveyed the spinal canal painfully deformed. In such a situation (when it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis), can additionally be assigned x-ray of the cervical with functional tests.

Functional test is an additional condition used in the examination of internal body, allowing to make a diagnosis more detailed and informative.

In the study of the musculoskeletal system apply only mechanical functional tests. This means that x-rays of the cervical spine is in a state where the patient fully flexes and extends the neck. In the end, the expert has pictures of pathological conditions of the authority that the physical examination it is impossible to obtain. He can easily diagnose the initial degree of deformity of the vertebrae, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at an early stage and other diseases.

Radiography of the spine with functional tests – the procedure is harmless and painless.

Features examination of the spine children

Radiography is possible with an infant. There are young moms who are wary of survey of this kind, suggesting that radiation may adversely affect the well-being of their child. In fact, there is no danger. The doctor will also tell you where to get an x-ray of the cervical spine baby. It is necessary to choose a clinic that has modern digital diagnostic equipment. Procedure, passed on such equipment, (given that its duration is very small) is absolutely harmless to a growing child’s body. Unfortunately, not every clinic has x-ray machine of the latest generation. In this case, you will have to go to a private diagnostic centre, equipped with the latest medical equipment.

The technique of x-ray-child and adult one and the same. The kids also do an x-ray of the cervical spine in two projections. The main difficulty is to preserve the immobility of the patient during the shoot. This condition is particularly difficult to perform in children under 3 years. Such kids, it is not possible to take pictures of the upper spine through the mouth. X-rays of the spine with functional tests babies is also not shown.

In the history of the disease, the doctor makes a note of the date and indicates the x-ray exposure dose received by the child. This measure will show when a similar survey can be carried out again.

What are the contraindications

A survey of this sort can not be done on pregnant women, as well as patients who have an allergic reaction to x-ray irradiation. You can’t do an x-ray to people who have recently received a significant radiation dose because of the risk of development of radiation sickness.

Great weight exceeding 150 kg, can also be the obstacle for x-rays, as it will be difficult to make a quality, informative the. X-rays of the spine with functional tests can not be done to people who have this body is injured or there is a mechanical damage of the bone tissue.

Various injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system depriving us of the activity and worsen the quality of life. Of all diagnostic methods, the most common x-ray of the cervical spine, which shows how vulnerable this area of the human body. This is the most secure and high quality method of diagnosis. It is good that all the existing disease condition detected at an early stage. In most cases, can achieve cure without resorting to drugs and surgery, and using the tools of the rehabilitation specialist appointment (physical therapy, massage, nutrition).

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