A neck X-ray, also known as a cervical spine X-ray, is a common diagnostic imaging technique that uses a small amount of radiation to generate images of the bones in your neck. This procedure focuses on the seven cervical vertebrae (C1-C7), which form the upper part of your spine and protect the spinal cord. It serves as a preliminary imaging tool to assess the structure and alignment of this region and evaluate the cervical spine for potential issues.
Structures and Conditions Visible
A neck X-ray provides clear visualization of the cervical vertebrae’s skeletal alignment. It can reveal the spine’s natural curvature and identify misalignments like subluxation, kyphosis, or lordosis. X-ray images also show bone integrity, detecting fractures or dislocations. These findings are particularly useful after an injury, such as a car accident or fall.
The images can also highlight degenerative changes, including indications of osteoarthritis, such as bone spurs and narrowing of joint spaces between vertebrae. Disc space narrowing can also be observed. These changes are often associated with cervical spondylosis.
A neck X-ray can visualize metallic or other radiopaque foreign objects. While primarily used for bone assessment, X-rays may also offer clues suggestive of certain infections or tumors affecting the cervical spine. However, these findings often necessitate further, more detailed imaging for a definitive diagnosis.
What a Neck X-Ray Can’t Reveal
While effective for bone assessment, neck X-rays have limitations, particularly in visualizing soft tissues. They do not provide clear images of structures such as intervertebral discs, the spinal cord, nerves, muscles, ligaments, or blood vessels. These soft tissues have similar X-ray absorption rates, making them appear indistinct. Therefore, conditions directly involving these tissues are not visible.
For instance, although disc space narrowing might be observed, an X-ray cannot directly show a herniated disc. Similarly, direct visualization of nerve compression is not possible. Subtle or early-stage inflammatory conditions or small tumors, especially those not affecting bone density, may also not be visible on a standard X-ray. X-rays cannot assess detailed neurological damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots directly.
When soft tissue issues, nerve involvement, or more complex bone assessments are suspected, other imaging techniques are required. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is often used for detailed soft tissue evaluation, while Computed Tomography (CT) scans provide more intricate views of bone structures. These advanced imaging methods complement X-rays by offering a more comprehensive picture of the neck’s internal structures.
The Neck X-Ray Procedure
Undergoing a neck X-ray is a straightforward and quick process, often taking 15 minutes or less. Before the scan, you will be asked to remove any jewelry or metal objects from the neck area, as metal can interfere with the X-ray equipment and obscure images. You may also be given a hospital gown to wear.
During the procedure, a radiologic technologist will position you in various ways to capture different views of your cervical spine. This may involve standing, sitting, or lying down on an X-ray table. Common views include an anteroposterior (AP) view, a lateral view, and an open-mouth view to visualize the C1 and C2 vertebrae. You will need to remain very still for a few seconds during each image capture to ensure clear and accurate pictures.
To minimize radiation exposure, lead shielding, such as a lead apron, may be provided. The procedure itself is painless. After images are taken, a radiologist will review them. The results are then sent to your ordering physician, who will discuss the findings with you.