Neck x-ray

Skeletal spine

The spine is divided into several sections. The cervical vertebrae make up the neck. The thoracic vertebrae comprise the chest section and have ribs attached. The lumbar vertebrae are the remaining vertebrae below the last thoracic bone and the top of the sacrum. The sacral vertebrae are caged within the bones of the pelvis, and the coccyx represents the terminal vertebrae or vestigial tail.

Also known as: X-ray - neck, Cervical spine x-ray or Lateral neck x-ray

Definition

A neck x-ray is an imaging test to look at cervical vertebrae, the seven bones in the neck area.

How the test is performed

This test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider’s office by an x-ray technologist. You will lie on the x-ray table. If the x-ray is to determine injury, care will be taken to prevent further injury. The x-ray machine will be positioned over the neck area. You will be asked to hold your breath while the picture is taken, so that the picture will not be blurry. You will be asked to changed positions so that additional scans can be taken. Usually three to seven different views are needed.

How to prepare for the test

Tell the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.

How the test will feel

This test does not cause discomfort, but the table may be cold.

Why the test is performed

The x-ray is used to evaluate neck injuries and persistent numbness, pain, or weakness. A neck x-ray can also be used to help see if air passages are blocked by swelling in the neck or something stuck in the airway.

What abnormal results mean

The test will detect fractures, dislocations, thinning of the bone (osteoporosis), and deformities in the curvature of the spine. The test may also detect bone spurs, disk problems, and wearing away of the vertebrae.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.

Special considerations

Other tests, such as MRI, may be used to look for disk or nerve problems.

References

Stevens JM, Rich PM, Dixon AK. The spine. In: Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 60.

Roosevelt GE. Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis). In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 382.

Holinger LD. Foreign bodies of the airway. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 384.

See also:

  • Disease

    Croup

    Lungs

    Croup is accompanied by a “barking” cough. Croup, which is swelling around the vocal cords, is common in infants and children and can have a variety of causes.

  • Disease

    Osteoporosis

    Hip fracture

    Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.

  • Test

    X-ray

    X-ray

    X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. In a health care setting, a machines sends are individual x-ray particles, called photons. These particles pass through the body. A computer or special film is used to record the images that are created. Structures that are ...

  • Injury

    Broken bone

    X-ray

    If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open fracture (compound fracture). A stress fracture is a hairline crack in the bone that develops because of repeated or ...

  • Disease

    Epiglottitis

    Haemophilus influenza organism

    Epiglottitis is inflammation of the cartilage that covers the trachea (windpipe). See also:

  • Disease

    Cervical spondylosis

    Skeletal spine

    Cervical spondylosis is a disorder in which there is abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae). See also:

Review date:
August 8, 2009
Reviewed by:
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Copyright Information A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.