He has had back pain going on two years now and is scheduled to get a cat scan tomorrow. He THINKS the back pain is from something that is wrong with a disc. Sorry these terms are not technical, I am not exactly sure how to describe the problem. He also says that his hands and arms are numb. He is in Iraq and they won't send him to get an MRI unless they absolutely have to.
Question is, would a cat scan reveal anything to the doctors?
2007-04-10 07:14:23 · 6 answers · asked by Brianna's Mommy 4 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
The CT scan will occasionally show some arthritis in the back but the gold standard is a MRI. If they inject contrast in his back that is better but most of the newer MDs are more comfortable with MRIs than with CT myleogram which they may not be offering in Iraq. Unfortunately, my guess is that unless he is showing neurological symptoms, he will have to live with the pain until he gets back to his base.
Good luck
2007-04-13 04:56:19 · answer #1 · answered by chunkychun 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most doctor's will start with a CT scan. It's the less expensive of the two diagnostic tests. If the CT scan doesn't show anything, they may wish to try types of therapy, such as physical therapy, or chiropractic. If that doesn't help, then they will probably go for the MRI. From some of those symptoms, it sounds like spinal stenosis to me. It's the narrowing of the spine which can press on nerves causing the numbness, pain, among other sensations.......
2007-04-10 10:08:44 · answer #2 · answered by rjgodwin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as even though you're as on most sensible of the trouble as it's viable to be, and that's exceptional! Naturally, you must comply with all the instructional materials approximately medicinal drugs at house and meals very cautiously. Food disorders are colossal, and if you happen to deviate your husband can't simplest NOT get the nutrients he demands, but additionally have a few fairly messy injuries to be able to embarass him past notion! There will ordinarily be a couple of injuries besides -- simply toss matters into the laundry, throw the occasional "cannot get blank" stained stuff away with out remark, and get him a few contemporary garments. My sister went by way of this, and her husband and I handled it without a remark past "I'm sorry. We'll do bigger subsequent time. Now, positioned this on -- it is cozy and appears excellent on you!" I am no longer conscious of any choice and/or further matters you must be doing, however I could urge you to verify any of them you may also discover very cautiously with the oncologist earlier than leaping in! Some herbs and different matters had been proven to intrude with commonplace cures, and that's very, very critical and have to be have shyed away from. Also, you are going to, of direction, NOT quit or give up any healing endorsed by means of the oncologist. DO ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS! The oncologist, the nurses, and the pharmacists all have a wealth of expertise and enjoy to present. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU BOTH!
2016-09-05 09:17:29 · answer #3 · answered by keva 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A CT scan won't necessarily show the problem. It may take an MRI .
2007-04-10 07:28:22 · answer #4 · answered by missingora 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
aim sorry about your husband but he needs to have a MRI i have had lots of them because i have back problems to, How did he hurt his back or it just came on him? MY disc are pressed against each other and i as lo have ostor arthritis. I HOPE HE DES WELL PLEASE LET US KNOW .
2007-04-10 07:33:45 · answer #5 · answered by fefe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://www.spine-health.com/topics/diag/backpain/back_pain_diagnosis.html
2007-04-10 07:26:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋