The spine is the load-bearing element of the human skeleton, and therefore the most important. He is susceptible to a number of diseases, the early detection of which allows one to avoid serious complications that negatively affect a person’s quality of life. X-rays of the spine play an important role in the diagnostic process. This is a highly informative diagnostic technique, which is also called “spondylography”. It allows doctors to obtain information about the condition of the patient’s spine, the injuries suffered and their consequences. Thanks to it, it is also possible to assess the condition of the spinal canal and identify almost all of its pathologies.
The technique is relatively inexpensive and accessible to a wide range of patients. Modern radiographic equipment allows you to obtain high-quality digital images, and the images are ready in just a few minutes. You can take an X-ray of the spine at the diagnostic center of the multidisciplinary clinic CELT. We have been providing services in this area for decades and have modern equipment, which, under the control of experienced diagnosticians, allows us to work real miracles in terms of diagnosing diseases at an early stage of their development.
X-ray of the cervical spine - 2,000 rubles.
15 - 20 minutes
(duration of procedure)
Indications for x-ray of the spine
Pathological conditions for which spinal radiography is prescribed can be divided into certain groups. All of them are presented in our table below:
| Groups | Certain diseases, features of radiography |
| Congenital anomalies of the spinal column | Many pathological conditions in this group require surgery, in preparation for which a routine radiographic examination is required. The diseases are presented as follows:
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| Acquired curvatures | Incorrect posture can cause spinal column deformities. Correcting them requires securing the vertebrae in the correct position. Before planning the operation, film and digital x-rays are performed. |
| Degenerative-dystrophic changes | Dystrophic disorders in articular cartilage, such as osteochondrosis, cause a number of abnormal changes in the spinal column. To diagnose them, a regular X-ray or MRI is used. The latter makes it possible to identify intervertebral hernias. |
| Spondylitis | This pathological condition is characterized by primary destruction of the vertebral bodies with further deformation of the entire column. It occurs as a result of inflammatory processes provoked by pathogenic microorganisms. Diagnosis requires routine radiographic examination. |
| Systemic osteoporosis | The pathology is characterized by a decrease in bone density and is chronic. It can lead to loss of mobility and disability. Diagnosis requires a type of radiography called densitometry, which allows you to determine bone density. |
| Traumatic conditions of the spinal column and brain. | Such conditions develop as a result of falls and traffic accidents and pose a threat to the health and life of the patient. A regular x-ray allows you to determine the location, nature and severity of the fracture, while a contrast x-ray allows you to identify damage to the nervous system. |
How to prepare for a spine x-ray?
X-rays of the spine are performed in a special X-ray room and do not require complex preparation. In some cases, for example, when examining the spine in the lumbar and tailbone area, preliminary bowel cleansing is necessary. Thus, an x-ray of the spine in the region in question requires the use of an enema.
If we are talking about a planned x-ray of the spine in the lower part, then pictures of the spine are taken without an enema, provided that a certain diet is followed. This is necessary so that the spinal column and the desired parts of the spine are clearly visible in the image.
Contraindications to X-ray of the spine
Modern X-ray techniques have minimal contraindications, which are due to the adverse effects of X-ray radiation on the patient’s body. Despite the fact that the dose received in the process is insignificant and does not cause harm to a healthy body, under certain conditions of the patient it can aggravate the situation. As for the procedure in which contrast is used, the situation is somewhat different. Here there are not only contraindications that are relevant for conventional radiography, but also those associated with the use of a contrast agent.
| Groups of contraindications | Reasons and specific cases |
| Contraindications to the standard procedure |
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| Contraindications to the procedure with contrast |
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Clinical manifestations that require spinal radiography
| X-ray of the spine | Clinical manifestations for which it is performed |
| X-ray of the cervical spine |
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| X-ray of the chest |
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| X-ray of the lumbar spine |
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| X-ray of the sacral spine and coccyx |
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1.What is an x-ray of the spine?
X-rays of the spine are possible thanks to special radioactive beams that can penetrate most objects, including the human body. The image obtained using x-rays is developed on film or displayed on a computer screen. Dense tissues, such as bone, block more radiation, so they appear white on an x-ray. Less dense tissues - such as internal organs - block less X-rays, so they appear gray.
Spinal x-rays are performed to detect injuries or diseases of the discs or joints of the spine. X-rays of the spine can show fractures, displacements, infections, tumors, spurs, and intervertebral disc disease. An X-ray of the spine also allows you to see spinal curvature, scoliosis, and other defects.
The spine is usually divided into 4 parts, and x-rays of these parts are usually taken separately:
- X-ray of the cervical spine;
- X-ray of the thoracic spine;
- X-ray of the lumbar spine;
- X-ray of the sacral spine and coccyx.
X-rays of the lumbar spine and X-rays of the cervical spine are the most common.
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How is an X-ray of the spine performed?
The technique of the procedure is determined by what kind of installation the clinic has and the image of which part of the spine needs to be obtained. Depending on this, the patient can remain in a standing or lying position. He may be asked to stand upright, bend over, or turn sideways in order to obtain a high-quality image of a particular part of the spinal column.
Before the procedure, the patient must remove any metal objects from the body and notify the doctor if there are grafts or implants in the body. The picture is taken for a few seconds, during which the patient must remain motionless. Taking the image takes only a few minutes, after which it is presented to the patient.
How and why is an X-ray of the spine performed?
X-rays to study the spine are performed in two projections. During the procedure, the patient is placed in a lateral or supine position for direct imaging of the spinal column. The image obtained using an x-ray of the spine helps to identify:
- curvature of the spine;
- pathology of the bone tissue of the back;
- formations in the form of tumors;
- changes in the articular tissues of the spine;
- bone tumors and so on.
The radiography of the spine is assessed by a specialist using the method of comparative analysis. After studying the image, the doctor prepares a conclusion.
In general, radiography of the spine is effective when it is necessary to evaluate the following factors:
- structure of bone tissue - in the diagnosis of osteochondrosis, osteoporosis, and so on;
- intervertebral distance – when diagnosing a hernia;
- intervertebral relationship – when diagnosing scoliosis;
- shadows on the vertebrae - when diagnosing fractures;
- compaction of bone tissue - in the diagnosis of cancer metastases.
In turn, radiography for studying the spine is not used when it is necessary to diagnose diseases of soft tissues, blood vessels and nerves. Also, x-rays do not allow us to assess the dynamics of the development of certain diseases.
In total, radiography involves taking 3-5 images and takes no more than 15 minutes on average. An important condition is to maintain a stationary position while the specialist takes the picture.
Advantages of spinal radiography at the CELT clinic
Have you been referred for an x-ray of the spine and want to be sure that the images will be of the highest quality? Contact CELT. We have modern X-ray machines made in Germany and Japan, which allow us to carry out the procedure in accordance with international standards.
Our radiologists have over 15 years of experience, which means that they have mastered the methods of obtaining high-quality images and know how to identify any pathology at the initial stage of their development. You can make an appointment with us at any time convenient for you, online or by phone: +7.
How are spinal x-rays done?
Before an x-ray, a person must comply with all requirements related to preparation for the study. In the office, the patient should undress to the waist and remove all luxury items from the body. Then it is important to follow the instructions of the doctor, who will ask you to turn in one direction or another, in accordance with the projection in which you want to take the picture. The duration of the x-ray is less than 10 minutes, after which several minutes are allocated for image processing. To obtain the most informative image of the spine, radiography is done in two projections - straight, which assumes that the patient is lying on his back, and lateral or oblique. It is possible to improve the quality of images of the lumbosacral region with special preparation, and X-rays of all other areas of the spine do not require additional measures.
X-ray of the lumbosacral region: in what cases will it be prescribed, and what will the result show?
Bone tissue transmits X-rays well, which means that on the X-ray image you can see the features of bone tissue: the condition of the vertebrae, their processes (cracks, fractures, displacements, growths); Based on the distance between the vertebrae, the shape of adjacent surfaces, and the displacement of shadows relative to the vertebrae, experienced radiologists will be able to assess the condition of the lumbosacral region, namely:
- determine the curvature of the spine;
- they will see displacement of the vertebrae, cracks, fractures;
- assess the compensatory capabilities of intervertebral discs;
- detect tumors and other neoplasms;
- visualize signs of systemic diseases, tuberculosis, metastases;
- diagnose herniated discs;
- identify osteophytes;
- determine infectious lesions of the spinal column;
- visualize abnormalities in the development of the spinal column
Indications for X-ray examination of the lumbar spine and sacrum may include:
- patient complaints of acute pain in the lumbar region, which manifests itself after sudden movements, lifting heavy objects, or being in low temperature conditions;
- complaints of prolonged aching pain that manifests itself at night;
- feeling of stiffness in the back and limited mobility;
- complaints of numbness and decreased sensitivity in the lower extremities
Spine x-ray prices
| Service name | Price |
| X-ray of the cervicocephalic junction | RUR 1,790.00 |
| X-ray of the cervical spine (2 projections | RUB 2190.00 |
| X-ray of the cervical spine with functional tests (2 projections, 4 images) | 4440.00 rub. |
| X-ray of the thoracic spine (2 projections) | RUB 2190.00 |
| X-ray of the lumbar spine (2 projections) | RUB 2190.00 |
| X-ray of the lumbar spine with functional tests (2 projections, 4 images) | 4440.00 rub. |
| X-ray of the coccyx (2 projections) | RUB 2190.00 |
What is examined using radiography?
The scope of radiography is extensive. At JSC "Family Doctor" you can do:
- X-ray of bones and joints;
- X-ray of various parts of the spine;
- radiography of the abdominal organs;
- chest x-ray;
- X-ray of the head (skull);
- densitometry (x-ray examination to determine bone density);
- X-ray of the paranasal sinuses;
- kidney x-ray;
- urography (intravenous excretory urography is radiography of the organs of the urinary system. A radiopaque substance is first injected intravenously);
- cystography (x-ray examination of the bladder);
- pharyngography (x-ray examination of the pharynx with preliminary introduction of a contrast agent into it);
- hysterosalpingography (examination of the uterine cavity and fallopian tube patency);
- mammography;
- linear tomography (layer-by-layer images of the internal structure of the organ under study);
- orthopantomogram (panoramic photograph of teeth);
- coronary angiography (examination of the condition of the heart vessels).
X-ray services are provided in most Family Doctor clinics. On our website you can choose the clinic that is most convenient for you and have an x-ray done there.
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Is it dangerous to take an x-ray?
X-rays do not pose a danger to the body, since the radiation exposure during X-rays is insignificant. But it still exists, so the use of x-rays is limited. You should also not take x-rays too often. However, if the doctor prescribes an x-ray if there are appropriate indications, you should not refuse. The health threat posed by the disease is usually much greater than the harm from x-rays. While sunbathing on the beach, we accumulate a radiation dose per day that is comparable, for example, to what we receive from fluorography. Sunbathing too much is not advisable. This is how we should treat x-rays: if there is no need, it is better not to do it. If there is a need, be sure to do it. Depending on the situation, the attending physician may offer you alternative diagnostic methods - computed tomography, ultrasound; but if you are prescribed an x-ray, it means that in your case it is difficult to make a diagnosis or check the effectiveness of treatment.