Neck X-ray

Neck X rays are scans that are conducted by a technician that help a doctor or radiologist diagnose conditions or abnormalities in the area. This imaging procedure is commonly used to detect broken or fractured bones, but can also capture images of the tissue.

Neck x-rays are commonly known as a cervical spine x-ray or cervical vertebrae x ray because they look at the cervical vertebrae. The cervical vertebrae is made up of seven neck bones, including the first vertebrae of the thoracic spine, that surround and protect the top section of the spinal cord.

X-rays work by casting a small amount of radiation and electromagnetic energy beams into the area being scanned, in this case, the neck. These black and white images are then reflected onto a screen and printed onto x-ray film. Hard matter, like bones, blocks the x-ray beam, so they show up as white on the film. Soft tissue allows the beam to pass through, so they show up in a lighter colour. Because of this, if there is a break or fracture in the bone, the beam will seep through, showing a black line and this is how doctors determine whether the bone is broken.

X-rays are almost always ordered after a consultation with a doctor. If a doctor suspects a broken or fractured bone, they will order an x-ray. If they suspect an issue with soft tissue then they will likely recommend an MRI. MRI’s are more detailed scans that create images that are viewed as cross sections or “slices”.

As mentioned above, a neck x-ray or cervical spine x ray is usually conducted by a doctors order. So, a patient should have already seen a general physician about their symptoms. If a patient is experiencing any of the following issues, a doctor may order a cervical vertebrae x-ray.

• Neck, shoulder, upper back, or arm pain

• Tingling in the arm or hand

• Numbness in the arm or hand

• Weakness of the arm or hand

• Fractures or breaks in the cervical vertebrae

• Dislocation of the joints between the vertebrae

• If you’ve been involved in an injury that affects the pelvis

Below are a number of conditions that a neck x-ray can help diagnose.

• Fractured bones

• Broken bones

• Arthritis

• Spondylolisthesis

• Degeneration of the disks

• Kyphosis

• Scoliosis

• Congenital abnormalities

A neck x-ray doesn’t’ require any special preparation. However, before doing the scan a technician will ask you to remove any metal from your body, so it’s a good idea to take these off before going to your appointment. This is because metal objects will obstruct the imaging test and will block photos, so a technician won’t be able to see the bones and soft tissues in that area.

These metal objects include piercings, jewellery, eyeglasses and a watch. If you have metal implanted in your body permanently, like a pace maker or pins and plates for a broken bone, then you should tell your technician about this before the exam. Some makeup and hair spray contains metal particles, too, so you should remove this before doing the scan.

During the scan

When you arrive at your scan, once you’ve checked in with the receptionist, you’ll be taken to an x-ray room. Here, the technician can answer any questions you may have about the x-ray. After this, you’ll be given a hospital gown to change into for the scan.

Then, a technician will ask you to lay on an x ray table, below the hanging x-ray machine. They will assist to position you so that the x-ray can capture the correct areas of your body. Sometimes, they’ll place a led blanket over areas that they don’t’ need to capture, as this will block the radiation.

After this, the technician or radiologist will head into another room, or an area that’s partitioned off. They will then take the photos and it’s very important that you stays very still at this time. Even the smallest movement can create blurry images.

If a technician requires multiple positions in order to properly detect your condition, they may move or adjust you so they can photograph other areas.

Once this is done, the technician will probably ask you to wait a few moments while they check if all the images are clear. If so, the scan is finished and you can continue about your day as usual.

After the scan

A neck x-ray is a non invasive procedure, so there’s no after care that’s required and you should feel completely normal. In very rare cases patients can have allergic reactions to an x-ray, so if you noticed any allergy symptoms, like a rash or hives, then you should notify a doctor immediately.

The results for a neck x-ray usually take about 1-2 days to come back. If your doctor detects an urgent condition, they may prioritise your results and get them back sooner. Once the doctor has checked the x-rays and anaylsed them, they will organise a follow up appointment with you to discuss their findings.