X-Ray Thoracic Spine AP & Lateral
This imaging test is ordered by the doctor to identify a range of issues with the bones located in the middle of the back also known as the thoracic spine. The X-ray aids in spotting abnormalities, injuries and diseases of the bone.
Before the X-ray, the doctor needs a full account of the patient’s medical history. The doctor will require details 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 posture and gait of the patient as part of the physical exam. The physical exam is also used to identify issues like swelling, stiffness or pain points in the area concerned.
This imaging scan aids the doctor in identifying why the patient has back pain. Back pain occurs due to a range of reasons such as injuries like a fracture, an infection, disease or any other condition. X-Rays tend to be very quick. They are painless procedures. They are useful in the identification of physical abnormalities along the thoracic spine. The scans enable the doctors to draw up appropriate treatment plans, recommend any lifestyle changes and set you on the path to recovery, relieving you from constant muscle pain. It must also be noted that an X-Ray is not the only way to help identify why the patient has back pain. The doctors may also order other tests, like an MRI scan, CT scan, bone scan or an ultrasound to help the diagnosis. The various imaging tests work together to reach a conclusive diagnosis.
The X-Ray technician helps you settle in after you are fully prepared and directs the patient according to the requirements of the X-ray. Since this X-ray requires an anteroposterior projection or an AP view, the X-ray technician will require the patient to be either erect or supine (sitting up or laying down), depending on their clinical history. In ideal circumstances, spinal imaging is taken while the patient is sitting up, in a non-trauma position, to give a functional overview of the thoracic spine. On the other hand, if the patient has a suspected spinal injury, the technician directs them to lay down. All of their imaging must be taken in a supine position without moving the patient unnecessarily. The patient must place their hands by their sides. In some cases, the patient may be asked to flex their legs or be provided with a pillow to improve their comfort to reduce spinal lordosis. As a general rule, the patient is asked to hold their breath and remain still while the image is being taken 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.
X-rays are standard procedures and do not require the patient to prepare beforehand. However, some things 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
The doctor may order the X-Ray if the patient has any of the following conditions:
- Birth defects that impact the spine
- Bone spurs
- Dislocation of a vertebral bone
- Herniated disk
- Injury to the lower spine
- Lower back pain
- Multiple sclerosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Pinched nerve
- Scoliosis
- Signs of cancer
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 light of the imaging results, the doctor may also order additional imaging scans like blood tests or other diagnostic measures. The test can detect the following conditions:
- Bone spurs
- Deformities of the spine
- Disk narrowing
- Dislocations
- Fractures (compression fractures of the vertebrae)
- Thinning of the bone (osteoporosis)
- Wearing away (degeneration) of the vertebrae
Related Tests
Thoracic Spine Lateral X-ray, Thoracic Spine Oblique, Chest X-ray
