X-Ray Entire Spine 2-3V
This imaging test is ordered by the doctor to identify any issues with the bones of the spine. The X-ray aids in spotting abnormalities, injuries and diseases of the bone and identifying what is causing back or neck pain. The spine has five sections: neck, chest, lower back, base and tailbone.
X-ray Basics
Before sending the patient for the X-ray, the doctor needs details of the patient's medical history. He or she also requires information about when the pain started, for how long it was prevalent and any other symptoms that may occur which have impacted the lifestyle of the patient. X-ray imaging is used with any identifiable clinical symptoms to diagnose the disease and chart treatment plans for the future.
Furthermore, a physical exam may be taken. The doctor might examine the back or the neck, check posture and movement. The physical exam is also used to identify issues like swelling, stiffness or pain points in the area concerned.
Why do you need this X-ray?
The X-ray will help the doctor in discerning why the patient has pain in their back or neck. Pain occurs due to a range of reasons such as injuries like a fracture, a break, infection, tumors or any other condition. It may also be ordered if the patient's bones have been reset after being broken to see if the bones are in perfect alignment or not.
X-rays are quick and painless procedures. They help the doctor in identifying abnormalities in any part of the spine. The imaging helps the doctors in drawing up appropriate treatment plans. They may also suggest lifestyle changes and set you on the path to recovery, relieving you from constant muscle pain.
The doctors may also order other tests, like a bone scan or an ultrasound, to help the diagnosis. The various imaging scan work together to reach a conclusive diagnosis.
What can you expect?
After you have prepared appropriately, the X-ray technician at the lab helps the patient settle in and directs them according to the requirements of the X-ray. This is a two to three-view X-ray; images will be taken in different positions.
The first position is the AP view which shows the spine in its natural anatomical position from the front, and the second is the lateral view, which shows the spine from the side, and the third is the lordotic view, where images are taken from the front with the mouth open. In case of trauma, the positions are modified. Here, the patient is supine instead of erect in either case.
In general, the patient is required to hold their breath and remain still while the image is being taken in order to ensure it's not blurry; otherwise, the procedure may have to be repeated. While the process is relatively short, it may take a longer time for the X-ray to come out if the patient has been injected with a dye to make the imaging come out clearer and detailed.
How do you need to prepare for the X-ray?
X-rays are standard procedures and do not require the patient to prepare beforehand. However, there are some things that must be kept in mind before going in for the imaging:
- ● No jewelry, glasses, and metallic objects should be worn, as they make the X-rays harder to read.
- ● Consult your physician if you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy; X-rays are usually avoided during this period.
- ● Inform your doctor beforehand if you wear any on-body devices such as an insulin pump or any metal implants in your body
When do you need to get it?
The doctor may order the X-ray if the patient has any of the following signs, indications or symptoms:
- ● Broken bones
- ● Arthritis
- ● Spinal disk problems
- ● Tumors
- ● Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
- ● Abnormal curves of the spine
- ● Infection
- ● Spinal problems
What do your X-ray results mean? What will happen now?
Typically, the X-ray results are available on the same day. They are reviewed by the doctor and radiologist, allowing them to determine how they should proceed. In accordance with the results, the doctor may also order additional imaging scans.
Related X-rays: Entire Spine 1V, Entire Spine 4-5V, Entire Spine 6V, Lumbar Spine Min 4V, Lumbar Spine Min 2-3V, Lumbosacral Spine X-Ray
