Ultrasound of the spine or MRI of the spine, which diagnosis is more effective

With diseases of the spine, it is very important to detect pathology in time. A neglected disease is more difficult to treat, so you need to immediately seek help from a specialist.

Ultrasound and MRI of the vertebral section allow you to detect the presence of certain pathologies that cannot be seen during a routine examination by a doctor.

Using them at an early stage, you can detect the presence of hernias, osteochondrosis, deformation of the vertebrae and many other pathologies. Each of these research methods is effective. After them, the patient is given a picture and a description of it.

Despite some similarities in these diagnostic methods, they have significant differences. The main ones include:

1. The mechanism of work. The action of ultrasound is based on the use of ultrasound, which penetrates into the tissues, and then is reflected from the studied area and allows you to study this area in detail. MRI is based on the work of magnetic pulses, showing the chemical content of the bone.
2. Contraindications. Ultrasound can not bring any danger to a person, therefore it is allowed for small children, as well as women during pregnancy. MRI in these cases is contraindicated. Also, it can not be carried out if foreign metal objects are present in the body.
3. Price category. When passing the examination in private clinics, the cost will be significantly different. The average cost of an ultrasound scan of one spine is about 800 rubles; an MRI scan will cost about 3,000 rubles.

Each of the presented survey methods is quite effective and has its own advantages. The advantage of ultrasound is the absence of contraindications, low price. It does not take much time and does not cause any discomfort. But, despite this, spinal MRI is the most informative method and will provide more information. It will be better if you combine both diagnostics for maximum information.

When the first signs of pain in the back occur, a series of examinations are necessary to determine the cause of these symptoms. A normal visual examination by a doctor will not be able to give an accurate result and determine the diagnosis. For these purposes, various diagnostic methods are used, the most informative of which are ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Many begin to doubt which method suits them best.

Ultrasound Characterization

Ultrasound is a method of instrumental diagnostics, the effect of which is through ultrasonic waves. With it, you can get information about the condition of soft tissues, ligaments, connective and cartilage structures, disc segments, joints.

Indications for the purpose of this study for diseases of the spine are:

• Decreased limb sensitivity.
• Lack of coordination, worsening gait.
• Frequent headaches for no apparent reason, dizziness.
• A feeling of contraction, pain, tension and other untidy sensations in the back.
• Curvature of posture.
• Joint pain.
• Limit movement when tilting.
• Numbness of the lower and upper limbs.
• High blood pressure.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Hearing Aid Problems.
• Decreased visual function.

When conducting this examination, the following diseases can be identified:

1. Connective tissue inflammation.
2. The presence of osteochondrosis, arthrosis.
3. Swelling.
4. Intervertebral hernia.
5. Sprained or torn ligaments.
6. Violation of the structures of the intervertebral discs.
7. Spinal deformity.
8. Pathology of the spinal cord.
9. Injuries.

This diagnostic method is safe and has virtually no contraindications. It is allowed for small children, pregnant women. You can carry out an unlimited number of times, as it does not cause dangerous exposure to the body.

Before examining the lumbar region, simple preparation may be required. A few days before the procedure, it is advisable to adhere to a special diet that excludes the use of fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, carbonated drinks. It is also recommended to take drugs to prevent increased gas formation. This is necessary so that gas bubbles do not spoil the image quality, and the examination is as efficient as possible.

Characterization of magnetic resonance imaging

It is a modern diagnostic method that allows you to obtain tomographic medical images for research. The action takes place by scanning using magnetic resonance. Allows you to study in detail the spinal column, spinal cord, soft tissues and blood vessels. As a result, numerous images of different projections are obtained, which are described by a specialist.

Indications for the passage of MRI of the spine are:

• Injury to the legs, back, neck.
• Control over the state of congenital pathologies.
• Detection of inflammation.
• Spinal metastases.
• Suspected intervertebral hernia.
• Vascular diseases, cervical blood flow disorders.
• Suspicion of the presence of neoplasms.
• Chronic or acute osteochondrosis.
• Constant back pain.
• Motion impairment, numbness.

Despite relative safety, there are the following contraindications:

1. The presence of metal prostheses that cannot be removed, pacemakers, heart valves.
2. Severely ill people in the stage of decompensation.
3. Acute renal failure.
4. Body weight over 130 kg.
5. Psychological disorders, including fear of confined spaces.
6. Early pregnancy.
7. Coughing.

During the procedure, it is necessary to maintain a state of immobility. This is the most important condition for obtaining an accurate result. The patient lies on a hard surface, then it is fixed with straps. An examination of all parts of the spine will take about an hour.