A cervical spine X-ray is a common imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of the bones in your neck, specifically the seven vertebrae that make up the cervical spine. These images help healthcare providers examine the structure and alignment of these bones. This diagnostic tool identifies potential issues affecting the neck region.
Reasons for a Cervical Spine X-Ray
A doctor may recommend a cervical spine X-ray for several reasons, often stemming from persistent neck pain or injury, whether acute or chronic. Following incidents like falls or motor vehicle accidents, particularly those involving whiplash, an X-ray can help to assess for potential bone damage.
Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness extending into the arms and hands can also indicate a need for this examination. These symptoms might suggest compression or irritation originating from the neck bones. The X-ray can identify possible fractures, dislocations, or degenerative changes like arthritis or disc space narrowing.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Preparing for a cervical spine X-ray typically involves removing any jewelry, eyeglasses, or metal objects. You might be asked to change into a hospital gown. The X-ray technician will guide you through the process.
During the imaging, you will be positioned in various ways, such as standing, sitting, or lying down on an X-ray table. The technician will ask you to remain very still for a few seconds while each image is taken. Multiple views are usually captured from different angles. The imaging itself is quick and painless, often completed within 10 to 15 minutes.
Understanding the X-Ray Results
A cervical spine X-ray can reveal several conditions affecting the bones of the neck. The images may show fractures, which are breaks in the vertebrae, or misalignments where bones are not properly stacked. Degenerative changes are also observed, including the presence of bone spurs, which are bony growths, or signs of arthritis.
Narrowing of the disc spaces between vertebrae can also be identified, suggesting disc degeneration. In some cases, foreign bodies, such as swallowed objects, might be visible on the images. A radiologist, a doctor specializing in interpreting medical images, will review the X-ray pictures. The radiologist then prepares a detailed report for your referring physician, who will discuss the findings with you.
Safety and Radiation Exposure
A cervical spine X-ray uses a low dose of radiation. The amount of radiation from a single neck X-ray is comparable to the amount of natural background radiation a person is exposed to over about 10 days. Healthcare providers often use lead shielding to protect other parts of your body, such as the chest or abdomen, during the procedure.
The benefits of obtaining diagnostic information from the X-ray outweigh the minimal risks associated with this low radiation dose. While doctors are mindful of cumulative radiation exposure over a person’s lifetime, a single cervical spine X-ray is considered a safe diagnostic tool.