If the patient complains of back pain, as well as with a suspicion of the possible development of pathology in this area, spinal tomography is performed. This diagnostic method allows not only to determine the cause of the pain, but also to identify the location of the disease.
Consider what indications are for examining the dorsal region, what is the difference between magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, their pros and cons, and what is better to choose. We will separately talk about the cost of the procedures, since for some this is the main one when choosing a diagnosis. But it is better to rely on the opinion of the doctor, since in some cases computed tomography may be ineffective in contrast to magnetic resonance imaging.
Indications for the procedure
As a result of tomography, regardless of the method, the diagnostic doctor receives a three-dimensional image of a certain part of the back. CT of the spine is carried out using x-ray radiation, and magnetic resonance imaging is performed through the passage of electromagnetic waves through the human body.
These two diagnostic methods differ among themselves in which pathologies of the spinal section can determine 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 the bodies, arches or processes of the vertebra | Osteochondrosis and its complications |
Inflammatory diseases of the back components | Inflammatory diseases of the spinal cord and roots |
Anomalies of the development of the organs of the spinal | Suspicion of a neoplasm in the spinal cord, root or vertebra |
Osteoporosis | Injuries, fractures and postoperative complications |
Postoperative verification of how well the metal structure inserted into the vertebra is fixed | Congenital malformations or vascular pathologies of the spinal cord |
CT is uninformative in cases of suspected formation of intervertebral hernias located in the cervical and thoracic regions. In this case, an MRI scan is more effective. This diagnostic method has fewer contraindications, does not require preparation and has no side effects.
Types of tomography
Depending on the presence of symptoms and the nature of the pain, a certain section of the vertebra is examined. Indications for spinal tomography allow you to determine what type of diagnosis will be applied in each case.
So, magnetic resonance and computed tomograms can be performed for the following departments:
Most often, CT in this case is performed with tumors, which helps to determine the structure and level of metastasis. It is also possible to conduct an examination when a foreign body enters the region of the lungs or with a disease of the lymph nodes.
MRI in this case is performed for fractures, bruises, abnormalities in the development of this area, for blood flow disorders or suspected development of an infectious process.
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 pain in the lower back, numbness of the lower extremities, with congenital anomalies or mechanical damage to this area.
CT in this case is prescribed as an additional diagnostic method, since MRI for this area will be enough. Tomography is indicated for numbness of the upper limbs, injuries, fractures, hernias, headaches, frequent dizziness and a decrease in motor activity in the neck.
Contraindications
Diagnostic doctor in a clinic with specialized equipment where you can make a tomography of the spine, before conducting informs the patient about contraindications.
Tomography is not performed in some cases.
MRI | CT |
In the presence of electronic and metal implants | Pregnancy and lactation |
In the presence of fragments or bullets | Allergy to contrast iodized drugs |
The period of gestation | Renal failure |
If the patient suffers from mental disorders, epilepsy, or claustrophobia, then tomography is performed by introducing the patient into a state of drug sleep in advance. Also, a person’s weight of more than 120 kg can be a contraindication, but there are also devices designed for 180 kg.
Preparation
Special preparation for spinal tomography is not required. It is important that there are no metal jewelry on the body, since in this case the tomograph can 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’s important not to eat or drink anything, since clear images can only be obtained with a clearly visible contrast. It is necessary to inform the doctor if the patient has an allergy or is taking any medication, which may somewhat distort the results. Before an MRI, you can not limit yourself to food.
How do spinal tomography do?
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 may wear headphones so that the noise does not cause discomfort. The patient puts on spacious clothing (most often it is disposable and issued in the clinic), lays down on the table, which then calls into the so-called camera to scan the body. 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 scan are transferred to the computer to the doctor-diagnostician, after which he processes them.
The process of spinal tomography lasts no more than half an hour. At this time, a person lies on a movable table without movements. When examining a specific part of the back, there are special nuances about which the doctor is obliged to notify.
Pros and cons of methods
Spinal tomography is primarily safe, as the diagnosis is made without the need for invasive and surgical intervention in the internal organs.
The drawback of CT is its duration (up to 15 minutes), as a result of which a person receives a high dose of radiation. This may increase the risk of developing oncology in the future, therefore, this diagnosis is often impossible.
Among the minuses of MRI can be noted the high cost, it is technically difficult to maintain a multi-component device, as well as the impossibility of diagnosing 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 affects the patient less, despite the longer procedure than CT.
What type of tomography to choose?
Many people wonder what is best - MRI or computed tomography of the spine, and how to choose the appropriate diagnostic method. The choice is made only by the doctor, depending on the availability 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 private. Most often, in private medical institutions the equipment is newer and more modern, which allows you to get a detailed three-dimensional picture and establish an accurate diagnosis.
The experience of specialists is also important, since doctors rarely take advanced training courses in the state structure, and even work on outdated equipment. The only minus is the price, because the examination in private institutions is not covered by conventional insurance and costs several times more.
Diagnostic cost comparison
Tomography is prescribed after an ultrasound scan and a routine x-ray could not help establish an accurate diagnosis. But thanks to previous examinations, it is possible to conduct a CT scan of the spine precisely in the area where the pain is localized.
If you perform a tomography of a specific section of the vertebra, then its cost will average 4 thousand rubles. Scanning the entire body will immediately cost 90-100 thousand rubles.
As a rule, MRI is more expensive, because the diagnostic device itself is more expensive, and also difficult to maintain.
Conclusion
Having decided on what the spinal tomography shows, why it is needed, 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 diagnosis.
As a rule, tomography does not cause complications, but there may be allergic manifestations of a contrast agent in CT, its penetration into breast milk, as well as the inability of the kidneys to excrete it. But all these nuances are agreed in advance, so there are no problems.