Where does a back examination begin?
Plain x-rays are the first step for back pain. It shows deformations and disturbances of the axis, decreased height of the intervertebral spaces as a sign of degenerative changes, compression fractures of the vertebrae, developmental anomalies and hemangiomas. This is enough to decide whether and what further research is needed. The key limitation of the method must be understood in advance: intervertebral discs and hernias are not visible on X-rays - in case of pain radiating to the arm or leg, the image is followed by an MRI.
What does an x-ray show?
An X-ray image perfectly visualizes bone tissue and air environments: fractures and cracks, displacements, changes in joint spaces, bone growths, as well as lung tissue and its changes.
Soft tissues - ligaments, menisci, discs, cartilage - are practically invisible in the image. If the doctor suspects damage, an MRI or ultrasound is prescribed after the X-ray.
One projection or two
One projection gives a flat image, and pathology located at an unfortunate angle may go unnoticed. The second photograph, taken perpendicular to the first, eliminates this situation. In trauma, two views are the standard; shooting in one is used as screening or when the patient’s position is limited.
About radiation exposure
The dose for digital radiography is significantly lower than film and for most studies is comparable to several days of natural background radiation. However, the study is performed as prescribed by a doctor, and during pregnancy - only for health reasons with screening.