X-ray of the neck: definition, procedure, test results

Definition

What is a neck x-ray?

A neck x-ray (also called a cervical spine x-ray) is an X-ray image of your cervical spine, where there are seven bones in your neck that protect the top of your spine. A neck X-ray also shows the surrounding structures, including the vocal cords, tonsils, adenoids, trachea (throat), and epiglottis (the flap of tissue covering your throat when you swallow).

X-rays, aka x-rays, are a form of radiation that passes through your body to expose pieces of film, forming an image of your body. Solid structures such as bone appear white on X-rays because only a small amount of radiation can pass through to expose the film on the other side. The delicate tissues, such as blood vessels, skin, fat, and muscle, are not so dense that more radiation can pass through them. These structures will appear dark gray on the X-ray image.

When should I have a neck x-ray?

If you have a neck injury or persistent numbness, pain, or weakness in your upper body, your doctor may order an x-ray. Your doctor will check x-rays for evidence for the following conditions:

• fracture or fracture
• swelling in or near the respiratory tract
• neck bone loss due to osteoporosis
• bone tumor or cyst
• chronic conditions in the discs and joints of your neck (cervical spondylosis)
• the joint is not in a normal position (dislocation)
• abnormal growths on the bone (bone spurs)
• spinal deformity
• swelling around the vocal cords (croup)
• swelling of the tissue that covers your throat (epiglottitis)
• foreign objects lodged in the throat or airway
• enlarged tonsils and adenoids

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before having a neck x-ray?

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored so that the lowest number of beams of radiation is used to produce the image. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of X-rays. Further imaging by CT or MRI (not discussed) is often appropriate in situations of high-risk injury, neurological deficits, limited clinical examination, or when there are unclear X-ray images.

Process

What should I do before I have a neck X-ray?

You should tell your doctor if you are or have the possibility of becoming pregnant. Take off all your jewelry.

How is the neck x-ray?

X-ray of the neck (C-Spine x-ray) is done by the radiologist in the radiology room. The three standard views taken were AP (anteroposterior view, spinal view from the front side); lateral (showing the spine from the side) and peg view (this view looks at the top of the spine and requires the patient to open his mouth wide). The 5-series includes both flexion and extension views. X-rays are taken with the patient's head in full flexion (lean forward as far as possible). The patient will be asked to bend the head forward as far as possible, and extend the back of the neck as far as possible.

What should I do after having a neck X-ray?

If an X-ray is taken to check for injuries, there may be some discomfort in your neck when you are in a certain position. Care will be taken to prevent further injury. Other tests, such as an MRI, can be used to look for disc or nerve problems. The radiologist will process the X-ray images and send them to your doctor within a few days.

If you have questions related to this test process, please consult your doctor for a better understanding.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

If the bone and tissue appear normal on the X-ray image, you probably don't have one bone spurs , spinal deformities, cervical spondylosis, etc. If any of these abnormalities appear on an X-ray image, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you.